Rug Hooking Guild Announces 2026 Hunterdon 4-H Fair Viewer's Choice Award

Flemington, NJ - The Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild announced its Viewer's Choice Award winner, "Two If By Sea," hooked by Charlene Chapman of Newtown, PA, at the conclusion of its special exhibit at the 2026 Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair. The exhibit was a commemoration of our Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The 1776 Project is a collaborative effort of individual members’ contributions. Among them are artful interpretations of the life and spirit in the18th century. They also show gratitude for the sacrifices that were made by soldiers and their families 250 years ago and pay homage to their endurance and foresight.

Guild member and artisan, Lucy Walsh, who led the 1776-Era rug project, stated "I sincerely thank my fellow HCRAG members for hooking small mats and rugs to honor our 250th. This exhibit has been warmly received by fairgoers this summer."

Guild members also have the opportunity to demonstrate their craft at the Hunterdon 4-H Fair! This active community of rug artists was established in 1976 in Flemington, NJ, for the purpose of preserving and perpetuating the cultural heritage of traditional rug hooking. The Guild encourages creativity, is a place to share ideas and materials, form friendships and create artful hooked rugs. The Guild offers classes in all levels of rug hooking, holds annual “hook-ins,” and conducts rug camps, public rug hooking demonstrations and rug exhibits to continually educate and enhance interest in rug hooking. Hooked rugs often tell a story which educates and entertains, initiates a conversation, and captures historic moments for future generations.

The Guild meets monthly, September through June, in Flemington and always welcomes new members. For information, please visit https://hcrag.org/ or email info@hcrag.com.