January 15, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

ALTOONA MUSEUM TO DISPLAY TEXTILE EXHIBITION

            Altoona – The latest exhibition at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is one that will surely hook its viewers. In The Art of Textiles, on view February 8 through May 25, visitors will have the opportunity to view nearly 20 rugs and wall-hangings created by Mary Sheppard Burton. A resident of Germantown, Md., Burton is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities and lecturers on the art of rug-hooking.

            For Burton, rug-hooking is more than simply an artistic medium, it is a treasured family heirloom; one pioneered by her grandmother and great-grandmother. It is not surprising, then, that she carries on this family tradition with such pride and prowess. In addition to being one of the most talented rug-hookers in the world today, Burton also is doing her part to educate the world about her beloved art form.

            She has authored two books, the first two – Judging by Merit and Educational Standards – being used extensively by home economists as guides when judging county and state fair rug-hooking competitions. Her third book, A Passion for the Creative Life: Textiles to Lift the Spirit, published in 2003, has been lauded for capturing the joy and beauty of not only Burton’s work, but also of the art of rug-hooking. She has taught numerous classes and workshops throughout North America, at locations such as Green Mountain Rug Hooking School in Randolph, Vt.; Mid-Atlantic Rug School in Westminster, Md.; University of Maryland; and the American Institute of Textile Arts, at Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Burton also has a long list of awards and accolades, including winning Best of Show, among more than 1,100 entries, in the Crafts Collection presented by the Creative Crafts Council of Greater Washington D.C.

            “Mary Sheppard Burton’s intricate use of patterns, designs and colors have helped her reach the pinnacle of her craft,” said SAMA-Altoona Coordinator, Barbara Hollander. “Her yarns are all hand-dyed, and she is renowned for the passion and enthusiasm that emanates from her art. In addition to her talent and vision, visitors to the exhibition will marvel at the elaborate detail and sheer size of her work.”

            To celebrate the exhibition, the Museum will host an opening reception with artist, Mary Sheppard Burton, at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 8. Cost for the reception is $12 or $10 for members. Reservations are required by calling the Museum at (814) 946-4464 by February 6. The Museum also will host a Lunch a l’Art program with Burton on March 14. The program, which begins at noon, consists of lunch and a special presentation by the artist. Cost for the program is $12 or $10 for members. Reservations are required by March 12. 

            The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is located in the Brett Building at 1210 Eleventh Avenue. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in metered spots in the lot at the rear of the building or in the garage across the street. For more information, call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.