Art Reception: Hookers, Strippers and Dyers at Main Street Gallery

Main Street Gallery welcomes Betty Burbage and Elissa Crouch as guest artists for May and June in a show curated by local artist Lisa Krentel. Betty and Elissa, who call their show “Hookers, Strippers and Dyers,” are artists who engage in the traditional art of rug hooking to create unique handmade rugs. Those who engage in this art are known as hookers and they create their rugs by pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a woven base using a crochet-type hook. The wool, which can be purchased or recycled from clothing, is felted and then dyed to a depth and brilliance that the hooker desires. The wool then goes through a process called stripping that leaves it looking like a colorful linguine which is ready to be hooked into the maker’s vision.

“Hookers, Strippers and Dyers” will open on Thursday, May 5 and will run through Sunday, July 3. The public is invited to meet the artists and see their colorful, one of a kind rugs at two free artist’s receptions which will take place on Second Saturdays, May 14 and June 11 from 5-8 pm.

Gallery hours for this show will be Thursday through Monday from 11am to 5pm. Visitors may also call the gallery at 410-330-4659 to schedule an appointment to see the show or visit the gallery’s website at www.mainstgallery.net.

Main Street Gallery, which is located at 518 Poplar St., is Cambridge’s only artist-owned and run cooperative and is currently reviewing work from prospective members and guest artists. Please contact the gallery if you are interested in being a part of this vibrant artist community.