Hooking in the Mountains XVIIIEssex Junction, Vermont
By Carolyn Ells
Over 375 hooked Rugs and objects were on display at Hooked in the Mountains XVIII, October 19-23, 2016. The Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild can always be counted on for mounting an impressive hooked rug exhibition. I was glad to have three days to admire the display, take a turn demonstrating rug hooking at the show, take a couple of workshops, make and renew acquaintances, and shop among the vendors. There were scheduled talks on various topics each day, some by this year's featured artists. The show included a series of rugs on interpreting Tarot cards. All of this was conveniently located on one level in a large building at the Champlain Valley Exposition Center.
Beaconsfield was represented with a mini-display about our guild, rugs by several members in the main show, and Louise's rug in the people's choice section from last year's show. I took one-day workshops on Hook-a-purse-in-a-day (Diane Phillips) and Zentangle (Rae Harrell). Candace, Claire, Dawna, Mary and Ti took a workshop on hooking Van Gogh (Janet Conner). Others came down to see the show, shop and visit.
There was quite a variety in the exhibition. I was particularly taken by some of the abstract rugs, and rugs with sculpted sections, feathers and bling. Perhaps I will try some of these techniques in the future. It was a fun few days. Congratulations to the GMRHG! No doubt everyone who went came away inspired and happy.
