In the small village of Agustin Gonzales located in the central Mexican highlands near San Miguel de Allende, 15 women spend what little free time they have hooking rugs. You will find them working late at night by kitchen tables after children are asleep or perhaps you will see them sitting under a tree in the hillside tending the cows and working on their rugs. The people of the area are substance farmers who grow all their own corn, beans and squash. The proceeds from selling these art pieces help with paying for food, children's schooling, doctor visits and other family needs. In 2005 and now in 2006 a drought has affected the area killing the corn and bean crop. This has made the sale of their rugs even more important. Many of the women are the sole support of their families. Their subject matter is the life around them, mountains, cactus, cows, horses, burros, flowers, a small house, a church, ducks, rabbits, chickens, roosters or fish. Each art piece is entirely unique as is the skill of rug hooking in Mexico. |
Note from Charlotte Bell, friend and contact for the Project I began helping the women with marketing in 2000. Each fall I bring from 50 to 80 rugs to the United States for various shows. Along with, Susan White, my marketing partner, we find venues in the Texas area to display and sell the rugs. Las Manitas restaurant in Austin has helped us each year by sponsoring a show at their restaurant on Congress Ave. We are open and seeking addition venues in other parts of the USA to show and sell these wonderful Folk Art collectables. This is my service project which I invite you to participate in. If you are interested in helping with donations of wool or marketing assistance in your area please contact me. We can provide rugs and promotional material to create a great show. Also keep checking back for information on the International Rug Hook Convention being planned for July 2007 in San Migeul de Allende, Mexico. char@charlottebell.com or phone 512 447 2150 For more information on how to help women in Mexico go to: www.mujeresencambio.com, The Rug Hook Project sponsor. |
