2024 Rug Hooking Week Volunteer Opportunities
Sauder Village is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization and is Ohio’s largest living history museum. In addition to bringing high quality fiber shows and retreats, the quilt, rug, and fiber events help us meet our fundraising budget to support the daily operations of the Historic Village. Volunteers play a vital role in helping us achieve this goal. We utilize more than 460 volunteer hours during Rug Hooking Week alone. We'd love to have you be part of the team!
Volunteer registration is OPEN! Email Nona Rupp, Volunteer Coordinator, at nona.rupp@saudervillage.org for more information.
Ways You Can Help
Be a Demonstrator! – Rug Hooking or Rug Punching
Daily, 10 am – 1 pm OR 1 - 5 pm Wednesday – Saturday
2 people per shift, per day
There is a designated area within the Exhibit Hall for talented artisans to share their skills with attendees. Bring a project that does not require table space and all your pre-prepped supplies (there is not room for cutters or project layout). Floor frames work well and give you flexibility.
We are looking for experienced artisans with a friendly, outgoing approach. Your role is to encourage guests to try rug hooking/punching on a project provided by Sauder Village and answer all their questions! Invite them to chat and take a closer look at your project. Describe how much you enjoy creating rugs and fiber art!
Information Table Ambassador
Daily, 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Saturday
1 person per day
Located inside Founder’s Hall as you enter the exhibition. Volunteers welcome guests to the exhibit, provide information about the Featured & Special Exhibits. They encourage inquiries, voting for People’s Choice award, & manage last minute registrations. Must be friendly, welcoming, outgoing, comfortable interacting with the public and collecting money.
Book Sales & Signings
Daily, 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Saturday
1 person per day
Located inside Founder’s Hall adjacent to the Information Table. Manage fiber art themed book sales for Rug Hooking Week instructors and greet guest authors for book signings. Must be comfortable with using tablet and online payment app. Prices are marked on all books.
Class Check-In Ambassador
Daily, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Friday
Saturday, 7:30 am –10:00 am
Monday, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
1 person per day
Located in the lobby of the Heritage Inn. Volunteers greet students and instructors, hand out Rug Hooking Week name tags, passes, tickets, schedules, sell daily lunch tickets, answer questions, direct students to classrooms, Founder’s Hall and other amenities, as well as collect class feedback forms.
Exhibit Check-In
Monday, August 12, 12:30 – 5:00 pm Founder’s Hall Lobby
12 people
Volunteers will assist with the check-in process for exhibit pieces. Attention to detail and the ability to work quickly are essential. Tasks include reviewing all details for each exhibit entry is recorded, including claim ticket number, attaching exhibit tags to each piece and carefully transporting each piece to the exhibit area.
Exhibit Hanging
Monday, August 12, 6 pm – 10 pm Founder’s Hall
12 people
Volunteers will sort and hang pieces according to category following the floor plan provided by the Rug Show Director. Work in pairs to complete preliminary hanging of the Main Exhibit. This task requires attention to detail, ability to follow directions, lifting, able to climb step ladder, and some physical strength and stamina. Previous rug show hanging experience is a plus!
Tuesday, August 13, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Founder’s Hall
12 people
Volunteers will complete the final hanging process ensuring all items are secure, displayed correctly, claim tags attached to the back of each piece, and places the final exhibit tag next to each piece. Attention to detail and some light physical abilities are required. Previous rug show hanging experience is a plus!
Exhibit Take-Down & Pick-Up
Saturday, August 17, 4:45 – 6:30 pm Founder’s Hall
14 people
Volunteers help carefully take-down and place exhibit pieces for pick-up and check-out. This is a fast-paced task where gentle handling of rugs, attention to detail, ability to follow directions and assist owners in finding their entries are essential. Take-down is a physical task that includes quick movement, climbing ladders, light weight lifting, physical strength and stamina.