'Flower Powered: Hooked Rugs by Lulu Myers' at Hillestad Gallery
Released on 11/02/2006, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 6, 2006, through Dec. 8, 2006
WHERE: Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery, 2nd Floor, Home Economics Building, north of 35th Street and East Campus Loop
The Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will open an exhibition Nov. 6 titled "Flower Powered: Hooked Rugs by Lulu Myers."
The exhibit, which runs through Dec. 8, features rugs created by Lulu Myers (1881-1977) of Polk, who hooked more than 300 rugs over the last 10 years of her life, each one with an original design. This exhibition, curated by Mary Logue, is culled from the collections of her granddaughters and other family members and friends.
Logue wrote in her exhibition material that, "Lulu Myers started rug hooking at an age when most women are giving it up, in her early 80s. She designed all her own rugs, with a skillful and vibrant sense of color. These rugs are her vision of the floral loveliness that can be found in the prairie towns of Nebraska, grown in the fertile mind of an older woman who has raised many children, worked all her life, and still wants to do more."
To celebrate the work of this little-known Nebraska treasure, the gallery plans a week of activities, including three lectures and a two-day workshop. Mary Anne Wise will kick off the programming with a lecture, "Custom Artisan Business Practices," from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 8, in Room 11 of the Home Economics Building, north of 35th Street and East Campus Loop. Additionally, Wise will conduct a design and idea generation workshop Nov. 9-10. Registration is required for the workshop and a fee is charged. For more information or to obtain a workshop registration form, call Sharon Reeder at (402) 472-2911.
Opening reception events begin at 1 p.m. Nov. 12 with two lectures in Room 11 of the Home Economics Building. Wise will discuss "Contemporary Rug Hooking and Tufting in America" and Logue will present a talk, "Poinsettias and Padulas," about Myers and her context in the history of rug hooking.
The Hillestad Gallery is open to the public without charge Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed weekends and university holidays. The Hillestad Gallery is part of the Textiles, Clothing and Design Department in the College of Education and Human Sciences.
CONTACT: Wendy Weiss, Director, Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery, (402) 472-6370