Sauder Village | August 14-19

27th annual Rug Hooking Week.

For 27 years, Rug Hooking Week has been held each August at Sauder Village. As the largest annual rug hooking event in North America, it is comprised of:

Exhibits: 500–800 contemporary and historic fiber artworks displayed gallery style, in the 10,000 square foot Founder’s Hall, on custom-made display panels, floor platforms, and multi-dimensional props. The exhibit hall is well-lit under a 2,300 lb. hand-forged iron and blown glass Queen Anne’s Lace chandelier made by Sauder craftsmen. Extensive exhibit signage provides education, insight, and artist recognition. In addition, to hooked and punched work, the exhibit also includes a variety of other fiber arts. Exhibitors typically represent 40 U.S. states, as well as Canada, and other countries. Participating exhibitors pre-register online, and receive complimentary admission Wednesday-Saturday to the exhibit and vendors. The exhibits include:

• Feature Exhibits – pay tribute to the work of outstanding contemporary and historic artists. Each of these extensive collections offers a wonderful and rare opportunity to admire and study closely the techniques, colors, designs, materials, and the in-depth story of talented artists. Collections are on loan from artists or gathered from private collectors and museums.
• Special Exhibits – present innovative and original works done by an individual or group of artists which represent contemporary or historic themes, concepts, ideas, techniques, and educational and regional projects.
• Celebration of Hand-Hooked Rugs Exhibit – the culmination of the annual competition sponsored by Rug Hooking Magazine. Each year the artists are invited to exhibit their award-winning work in this exclusive exhibit. The Celebration publication debuts at Rug Hooking Week.
• Main Exhibit – invites everyone to submit their work to this exhibit, divided into categories, and includes all skill levels. Besides rug hooking, this exhibit also includes other fiber arts (such as: braiding, proddy, punch needle, quilling/standing wool, wool applique, etc.), fusion, and multi-dimensional work.
• Group Exhibits – collections of work done by groups or guides with a common focus.
• Pop-Up Exhibits – are invitational exhibits held during Rug Hooking Week. A call–for–artists is announced with the parameters, date and location.

Classes: 30–40 offered each year. Something to suit everyone’s interest and schedule, in a wide variety of topics, techniques, and skill levels. Besides hooking and punching an assortment of other fiber arts classes is offered, along with dye classes, gallery talks and presentations. Detailed class descriptions and photos are provided along with skill levels and teacher bios. Classes range from beginner to advanced. Classes are taught by outstanding teachers from across the country & around the globe. Pre-registration is required – follow these links to register: RETREAT REGISTRATION  –  WORKSHOPS REGISTRATION   –  GALLERY TALK REGISTRATION. Follow this link for in person registration: In-person Registration. The types of classes include:

• Retreats – 3 & 4 days of study with one teacher, who sets the focus and goals, and teaches in a group format, as well as providing time for individual project guidance.
• Workshops – evening, 1 & 2 day classes, in a wide range of topics, techniques, projects, focuses, skills, and mediums. This also includes dye classes in our commercial kitchen.
• Gallery Talks – mornings & evenings. An opportunity to meet the artists, curators, or authorities, ask questions, and learn more about specific exhibits. Gallery Talks are listed under workshops.