"Gecko Dreams" Laurie Wiles, Edmunton, Canada 40" x 52"

"Rhapsody in Rugs: Rags to Rugs at the Carnegie" September 17-November 12, 2005 Opening Reception Saturday, September 17, 12-3 pm   Award Winners Click here for the list of 2005 winners

The Carnegie Center for Art and History in New Albany, Indiana is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit, "Rhapsody in Rugs: Rags to Rugs at the Carnegie," on display September 17 through November 12, 2005. "Rhapsody in Rugs" is a national juried hooked rug show featuring over 50 hooked rugs created by artists from across the United States and Canada. Sanctioned by the Association of Traditional Hooking Artists (ATHA), the exhibit was juried by four highly respected rug hooking instructors and artists: Liz Tompkins and Genevieve Pattison from Lexington, Kentucky, Diane Kelly from Hiram, Ohio, and Beverly Stewart from Indianapolis, Indiana. The first exhibit of its kind for this region, "Rhapsody in Rugs" is co-sponsored by Cat House Rugs and the Carnegie Center, Inc.

Six years ago, a small group of dedicated rug hookers in New Albany started a group that would become an ATHA chapter known as "Buffalo Trace Rug Hookers." The group has grown from six charter members to 45 members. The only other ATHA chapter in the region is "Heart of Bluegrass," recently formed in Lexington, Kentucky. In response to this expanding popularity, Jyl Clark and Mary Silva established Cat House Rugs, a full service rug hooking studio in New Albany. Visit Cat House Rugs online at www.cathouserugs.com or call 812-945-RUGS (7847) to learn more.

There will be an opening reception for this exhibit on Saturday, September 17 from 12-3 pm. ATHA President Dr. Carol Ambrozy from Athol, Massachusetts will present a $500 Best of Show Award as well as three $200 Merit Awards. Artist, instructor, and author Jessie Turbayne will be on hand for a book signing and rug appraisals ($15 for three rugs), and artist/instructor Stephanie Krauss will give exhibit tours and commentary on the entries. Refreshments will be served, and visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists exhibiting in "Rhapsody in Rugs." This event is free and the public is invited to attend.

"Foraging" Karen Poetzinger Cary, NC 24.5" x 30.5"

"Samsara" (detail) Natasha Chan Carmel, IN 39" x 67"

Rug hooking classes, workshops and a lecture are being offered in conjunction with this exhibit. Internationally recognized professional rug hooking instructors Jessie Turbayne, Stephanie Krauss, Amy Oxford, Dianne Kelly, Jane King and Jyl Clark will be teaching at the Carnegie Center. Pre-registration is required for all classes. Registration is limited and class fees are due upon registration. Carnegie Center or Buffalo Trace Rug Hookers members receive a discount on registration fees. Please call 812-944-7336 for more information. Several classes have filled up already, so please call to check on class availability.

The Carnegie Center for Art and History, a department of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, is a contemporary art gallery and history museum that offers a full schedule of changing exhibitions as well as art classes and other educational programs. The Carnegie Center is also home to permanent exhibit Grandpa Makes A Scene: The Yenawine Dioramas, a hand-carved, animated display of life in turn of the century Georgetown, Indiana. The Carnegie Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am-5:30 pm, and is located at 201 East Spring Street in historic downtown New Albany, Indiana. Admission is free.

"Friendship & Hospitality" Capri Boyle Jones Navarre, FL 56" x 44"