The Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild was founded in October 1977. We currently have over 90 members from seven states. The mission of the Guild is to perpetuate the tradition and art of rug hooking, to encourage creativity, to provide the means for an exchange of ideas and information and to promote educational activities to enhance the interest in rug hooking.
Monthly meetings in Flemington, New Jersey offer programs for someone new to rug hooking as well as the seasoned artisan. Members have opportunities to participate in hooking demonstrations, rug exhibits, rug camps and “hook-ins”. A supportive environment is provided for those new to the craft and for those looking to refine their technique. New members are always welcome!
For more information please contact Guild President Weezie Huntington at weezie711@gmail.com
June 2009
June marks the end of our current program year. I want to once again thank our officers, chairs and committee members who contributed to our successful year and to Guild members for your strong support. Our success is the result of the collective efforts on many people. Planning is already underway for the coming season.
The Program Committee is discussing creative subjects for our monthly meetings. They have identified several topics that will stimulate and inspire us. Maximum advantage is being taken of the marvelous talent and “know-how” within the Guild. The tentative program schedule is listed in the “HCRAG Calendar of Events” found on Page 8 of the newsletter. Program ideas are always welcomed and encouraged.
Our popular retreat (the 4th one!) will be held in January again. The retreat has a loyal following who find this week-end to be a relaxing and fun event for a time of the year when the weather tends to be dreary. Our experiment with a spring workshop with two instructors was a success in spite of the troublesome economic times. The Spring Fling will be back, but renamed “March Madness”. While college basketball fans will have their excitement, we will be enjoying ourselves at the Flemington Hampton Inn with stimulating rug hooking instructors and friends.
The Guild’s schedule of rug hooking demonstrations continues to grow. We are up to 17, including three new events. The new requests from community organizations are a pragmatic sign of the public’s growing awareness of the special nature of our Guild.
All of our programs and events require the active support of our members in order to be successful. If you have not been able to help on any of our projects in the past year, I encourage you to find a way to help as we start a new season. In our Guild, as in most organizations, the “80-20 rule” applies all too often – 20% of the members do 80% of the work. As President of your Guild, I worry, at times, that our dedicated workers will burn themselves out and our Guild will suffer. Please find a way to help.
It has been a Guild tradition to close the program year and to usher in summer with our potluck picnic. Guild members are terrific cooks as well as terrific hookers. The food at our potluck luncheons is alone worth the price of membership. Come help us celebrate our year of success.
Have an enjoyable summer and keep on hooking!—Weezie
