The Nature of Rag Rug Weaving

I am honored to officially announce my first solo art exhibition, The Nature of Rag Rug Weaving, at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, October 27-December 12, 2026. The collection of rag rugs handwoven for this exhibit are examples of traditional, utilitarian floor rugs as well as contemporary, minimalist, tapestries depicting nature-inspired scenes. All are made from upcycled, post-consumer, home textiles handwoven on cotton rug warp. Many were made on the rug loom my grandfather built and wove on.

A reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, October 30, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Artist Statement

"The process of turning tattered fabric into rag rugs is a craft practiced around the world. Like generations of frugal weavers before me, I value resources that many would consider waste by investing my time and skills to mindfully create something useful and meaningful. I hope viewers feel connected to the colors, patterns and imagery as they explore the collection and are able to reflect on the relationships between material, time, resources and the natural world.” – Ellen Thomas