2024 Rug Hooking Week
August 13 - 17

Join us for the 28^th Annual Rug Hooking Week at Sauder Village 

For 28 years, Rug Hooking Week has been held each August at Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio. As the largest annual rug hooking event in North America, it is comprised of: 

Exhibits:  500–800 contemporary and historic fiber art works displayed gallery style, in the 10,000 square foot Founder’s Hall. The exhibit hall is well-lit under a 2,300 lb. hand-forged iron and blown glass Queen Anne’s Lace chandelier made by Sauder craftsmen. Extensive exhibit signage provides education, insight, and artist recognition. In addition to hooked and punched work, the exhibit also includes a variety of other fiber arts. Exhibitors typically represent 40 U.S. states, as well as Canada, and other countries. Participating exhibitors pre-register online, and receive complimentary admission Wednesday-Saturday to the exhibit and vendors. The exhibits include:

• Feature Exhibits – pay tribute to the work of outstanding contemporary and historic artists. Each of these extensive collections offers a wonderful and rare opportunity to admire and study closely the techniques, colors, designs, materials, and the in-depth story of talented artists. Collections are on loan from artists, or gathered from private collectors and museums.
• Special Exhibits – present innovative and original works done by an individual or group of artists which represent contemporary or historic themes, concepts, ideas, techniques, and educational and regional projects.
• Celebration of Hand-Hooked Rugs Exhibit – culmination of the annual competition sponsored by Rug Hooking magazine. Each year the artists are invited to exhibit their award-winning work in this exclusive exhibit. The Celebration publication debuts at Rug Hooking Week.
• Main Exhibit – invites EVERYONE to submit their work to this exhibit, divided into categories, and includes all skill levels. Beside rug hooking, this exhibit also includes other fiber arts such as: braiding, proddy, punch needle, quilling/standing wool, wool applique, fusion, and multi-dimensional work.
• Group Exhibits – collections of work done by groups or guides with a common focus.
• Virtual Exhibits – creative work of international artists presented virtually in our Fiber Lounge.

Classes: 30–40 offered each year. Something to suit everyone’s interest and schedule, in a wide variety of topics, techniques, and skill levels. Besides hooking and punching an assortment of other fiber arts classes is offered, along with dye classes, gallery talks and presentations. Detailed class descriptions and photos are provided along with skill levels and teacher bios. Classes range from beginner to advanced. Classes are taught by outstanding teachers from across the country & around the globe. Pre-registration is required – follow these links to register: ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENED AT 10AM ET ON NOVEMBER 15, 2023. The types of classes include:

• Retreats - 3 & 4 days of study with one teacher, who sets the focus and goals, and teaches in a group format, as well as providing time for individual project guidance.
• Workshops - evening, 1, 1.5 & 2 day classes, in a wide range of topics, techniques, projects, focuses, skills, and mediums. This also includes dye classes in our commercial kitchen.
• Gallery Talks – mornings & evenings. An opportunity to meet the artists, curators, or authorities, ask questions, and learn more about specific exhibits. Gallery Talks are listed under workshops.

Vendors:  15 - 20 new and returning businesses are hand selected with the help of our attendees’ input; these vendors represent industry standards as well as cutting-edge innovators. Vendors offer a wide variety of fiber art supplies, tools, materials, and equipment, plus peripheral, fun, and creative merchandise too. Shopping during Rug Hooking Week is the perfect opportunity to meet the artists, suppliers, designers, and manufacturers - and learn how these products can be used to create your optimum fiber art. In addition to hooking and punching merchandise, other types of fiber art tools, equipment and supplies are available. We offer a class, “Savvy Shopper”, to teach you how to best shop our vendors. These Vendors are open Wednesday – Saturday 10am-5pm, during the same hours that the Exhibit is open to the public. Pop Up Vendors are open to the public only during our Friday night Hook-In from 6-10pm.

Each year, thousands of attendees and exhibitors typically come from more than 40 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 3-7 countries. Some spend a day or two just viewing the exhibit and shopping the vendors, while others spend the entire week taking advantage of all aspects of the event - including taking classes, networking with other artists, as well as enjoying the historic Village & Craftsmen.
 

Below are some helpful tips to get the most out of Rug Hooking Week. On each Rug Hooking Week web page you will find a column with links to more detailed information.

Sign-up: Be sure to sign up for both: Rug Hooking Week mailing list (to receive email announcements & postcards) & Facebook (to receive updates).

Pre-register: Pre-register early for classes, as they fill quickly, and also pre-register to exhibit your work. You can find much more info here on our website. 2024 class registration began November 15, 2023 at 10 a.m. ET. Burgundy buttons to each registration form is on this webpage. 

Make reservations: There are two lodging options right on the property Heritage Inn & Campground. If our lodging is full, don’t worry, the Heritage Inn can put you on the waiting list and they can also provide info on nearby lodging options. For additional local options, please check out our Facebook page.

Check the schedule:Check the schedule on our website & posted in Founder’s Hall during the event. You don’t want to miss a thing. Be sure to note the activities which require pre-registration. Come a day early or stay an extra day to visit the wonderful Historic Village & Craftsman…. not to be missed!

Groups or Guilds planning to attend:Groups must contact Sauder Village Group Sales well in advance to reserve your arrival day/time, and receive help with your planning, lodging, meals & discounts by calling 800-590-9755.

Arrival: Once you arrive, everything is in walking distance. Be sure to check the schedule on when and where to check-in for each activity. For any questions or assistance during Rug Hooking Week - visit the Rug Hooking Week – Info Booth (just inside the Exhibit Hall & on the left).

Admission: Rug Hooking Week is open to the public Wednesday – Saturday and does not require pre-registration to view the exhibit and shop the vendors. For: admission info & options. If you are an exhibitor, pick up your complimentary admission pass on Monday at Exhibit Check-In or Wed-Sat at the Founder’s Hall – Admission Desk.    

Complimentary Admission:If you are a pre-registered exhibitor, we would like to THANK YOU for your contribution to this year’s exhibit by offering you complimentary admission to the RHW Exhibit & Vendors, as well as historic Sauder Village, from Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm. Pick up your complimentary admission pass on Monday at Exhibit Check-In or Wed-Sat at the Founder’s Hall – Admission Desk.    

We can’t wait until your arrival…..Be Amazed, Be Inspired, Be at Sauder Village in August!