Hooked in the Mountains brings hooked-rug art to Sugarbush May 15-18
May 8, 2025 | Jane Wass
Inspired by the view behind her barn, Suzanne Dirmaier created the scene “Wood Walk l” to capture shadows cast over the snow by trees in the sunshine. She designed and hooked the 12x15” pattern using ‘as-is’ and hand-dyed wool. Courtesy photo
Few events handle the test of time as well as the Hooked in the Mountains Fiber Art/ Rug hooking show hosted by the Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild.
First held in the spring of 1996 in the Joslin Round Barn in Waitsfield, it began as the brainchild of Judy Phillips. From there, the Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild, the show’s sponsor, has moved it to various locations, including Shelburne Museum, the Essex Fairgrounds, and the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier.
Today the show is a bi-annual event, attracting attendees from all over New England and Canada.
This year’s show will be held on May 15-18 at the Sugarbush Ski Resort in Warren, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission: $10.
In this beautiful setting, attendees will enjoy a wealth of beautiful hand-hooked rugs created by a wide array of talented and creative rug-hooking artists.
Suzanne Dirmaier at work at her rug-hooking frame. Suzanne shares a special fondness for trees in her art. Courtesy photo
“Wood Walk II,” is a 27x16” piece inspired by walks in the woods by Suzanne Dirmaier. Trees that have stood the test of time are sprinkled through the newer woods by her home. Some have lost branches and are weathered, yet they persist. Courtesy photo
Two of the displayed rugs will be those of local artist Suzanne Dirmaier from Waterbury Center. Suzanne has been hooking for 40 years and has explored and enjoyed many rug hooking styles, including shading, geometrics, portraits, and pictorials. She has found that the pieces that bring her the most joy are the ones that commemorate stories, people, or places in her life.
A special exhibit titled "Magnificent Bugs in Rugs" will be on view at the show. Courtesy photo
Most recently, she has been fascinated by landscapes. The natural world in her backyard has brought her much joy and comfort, especially in the last months. Suzanne tends to hook in the comfort of her home and surroundings, but also loves meeting up with those who share her love of rug-hooking, and she treasures the enduring friendships she has made. A longtime member of the Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild, she has served as president, vice president, secretary, and is currently an at-large member of the board.
This year’s show will feature a special traveling exhibit titled “Magnificent Bugs in Rugs,” created by 40 artists worldwide. Attendees will also have an opportunity to try rug-hooking and shop both in the guild store and with fiber-art vendors. More information is online on the guild’s website gmrhg.org.
Jane Wass is a volunteer with the Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild.