The Arrow Rock State Historic Site visitor center will host a daily exhibit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting in August that will feature rugs made or designed by former members of the Big Muddy Rug Hooking Guild.

This local organization actively promotes rug hooking throughout the mid-Missouri region, offering classes, meetings and workshops for all ages and skill levels. The guild has been featured on the PBS show “Making It” and has exhibited its works at Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, the Ashby-Hodge Gallery in Fayette, the 2022 ATHA Biennial, and the Missouri Capitol.

Hooked rugs are a true folk art. They began as utilitarian items adapted to the needs of each rug maker, and reflected the styles and interests of a community. The designs were rambunctious, soothing, lively, subdued, and colorful. Unlike fine art, there were no rules other than those imposed by the rug maker’s spirit. Whichever style was used, all rugs displayed much affection for their subjects.

Missourians were hooking rugs as early as the 1850s, when mention of the craft appeared in newspaper articles about agricultural fairs.

For more information about these events, call the historic site office at 660-837-3330. The events are free and open to the public, and there is no registration.