Hook-in ushers in 'Art Underfoot' at McMinn museum - March 7-27

photo This handcrafted pillow was among the works included in "Art Underfoot" last year. The annual exhibit of hooked art typically includes rugs, wall hangings and pillows.

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens, Tenn., will celebrate the opening of its annual hooked rug show, "Art Underfoot," with a hook-in this weekend.

The two-day gathering of fiber artists will take place Friday and Saturday, March 7-8. Vendors also will be on hand with crafting supplies, wool and patterns.

Originally a craft of the poor who used scraps of wool to approximate the fancy floor coverings of the wealthy elite, rug hooking has been revived in contemporary decades as a highly respected art form. "Art Underfoot," according to organizers, showcases some of the region's most beautiful and interesting pieces of hooked art, including rugs, wall hangings and pillows.

"Rug hooking is a wonderful example of how a historically significant art form is being reinterpreted and reinvented by modern-day artists," says Mary Alton, collections manager.

The "exquisite works" in the exhibit, she says, help visitors of all ages "experience the community's history and artistic heritage."

"Art Underfoot" continues through Thursday, March 27. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

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