::Ontario Hooking Craft Guild::

The O.H.C.G. operates as a non-profit organization for over 1,000 members across Canada . We welcome new members.

WHAT IS RUG HOOKING?
The creation of hooked rugs is an ancient art. In Canada , rug hooking has been a part of the Canadian cultural mosaic since the time of early settlers. Discarded or outgrown clothes were cut by hand into narrow strips, which were then hooked into material from grain or potato sacks, producing colourful rugs that added much needed warmth and beauty to cold cabin floors. Today's traditional rug hookers usually cut woolen fabric with a special cutting machine, producing both fine-cut and primitive rugs and wall hangings of lasting beauty.

WHAT IS THE O.H.C.G.?
The Ontario Hooking Craft Guild is an association whose aims are:

* To promote and develop the craft of Traditional Rug Hooking.
* To encourage excellence of craftsmanship.
* To foster an awareness of beauty in colour and design.
* To provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas and information among members of the Guild.

WHAT WE DO
Each year the Guild holds its Annual Meeting in a different part of the province and features a large display of members' work. This display is open to the public.

The Guild promotes local workshops and Area Branches are encouraged to hold local displays.

Each year a residential school is organized by the Guild where members develop new skills and ideas in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

An interesting and informative newsletter is mailed to each member at regular intervals throughout the year.

HOW THE GUILD OPERATES
There are many Regional Branches throughout the province and most members are affiliated with a Branch in their own area.

Elected Representatives from each area serve on the provincial Board, which meets four times yearly. Branches choose their own officers and plan their own programmes, workshops and displays.

For further information about the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild, we invite you to contact the Membership Convener.

HOW TO JOIN?
Download and print our Membership form today.
Contact:
Pat Norwood, Membership Convenor
1268 Haller Ave
Pickering L1W 1H8
patpickering@rogers.com
905-839-4964

OUR HISTORY
The formation of the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild in 1966 was the culmination of an idea in the mind of Edna Rittenhouse, a craft teacher in Vineland , Ontario , Canada . She saw the need for an organization to represent traditional rug hooking. With this in view, she called together about 40 teachers She had the expert assistance of her daughter Margaret Rowan, a teacher and designer, and Margaret's husband Ted, who was also directly involved in the design process and in obtaining recognition from the Ontario Craft Foundation.

The primary objectives of the new Guild were to foster excellence of craftsmanship, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information for its members and to be able to co-operate with other craft guilds

With growth came the establishment of yearly area workshops, a slide library, a newsletter and a Teachers' Branch.

The newsletter was expanded from the original one page that reported on the five executive meetings each year to a much larger one that featured coming events, news from newly-formed Branches and articles on unique features of the craft. For members scattered throughout the province, the newsletter became an important means of staying in touch.

In 1974 the O.H.C.G. School was realized, with each class being taught by an expert in a particular facet of the craft. While the location has changed over the years, the facility always contributes to a friendly atmosphere for new rug hookers and those with considerable experience. Meals, accommodation and a variety of classes are enjoyed by many members who return year and year.

Each year, as part of the Annual Meeting, a display of hooking is proudly presented by various Branches. Prizes are awarded in several categories to those who choose to have their pieces judged. This display has achieved great acclamation from members of the public who attend in increasing numbers.

In the world of today, where the words "convenient", fast" and "instant" are commonplace, traditional rug hooking seems to be an anachronism. However, it continues to be an ever-expanding art form that appeals to both traditional and contemporary tastes. Rugs, wall hangings, cushions, bags and mats are lasting examples of a craft loved by many and they are certain to be treasured as heirlooms by the next generation.