MCTA Documentation Project Seeks Regional Rug Makers

Folklore and Folklife Programming at Frostburg State University, a partner of the Maryland Traditions Program of the Maryland State Arts Council, is seeking fiber artists in the region with a particular expertise and interest in rug making. At one point in time western Maryland and the surrounding region was well known for its rug making traditions—including hooked-rugs, woven rag rugs, and braided rugs.  The region’s woven rag rug tradition was substantial enough for a book, Weaving Rag Rugs: A Women’s Craft in Western Maryland, by Geraldine Niva Johnson, to be published on the practice in 1985. 

Folklore and Folklife Programming at FSU, which oversees Mountain City Traditional Arts on Frostburg’s Main Street and the FSU Appalachian Festival, would like to document what remains of the region’s rich rug making history and tradition. That documentation will eventually be shared at the FSU Appalachian Festival and through an exhibit and workshops at Mountain City Traditional Arts. Those working in the tradition or with knowledge of family members or friends who have perpetuated these traditions are encouraged to contact Dr. Kara Rogers Thomas, krogersthomas@frostburg.edu; 240-522-7635, or Dana Bridges at Mountain City Traditional Arts, 301-687-8040.