Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Hooking of Mary Sheppard Burton ~

This year's featured exhibit was by the late Mary Sheppard Burton and Leonard Feenan. Mary was the hooker and Leonard turned her drawings of a Noah's Ark project into a reality. Noah's Ark was started in September of 2006 and was completed in September 2009. It is 30 inches wide by 36 inches long and stand a total of 5 feet, 7 inches. You can read more about it in the March/April/May 2010 issue of Rug Hooking Magazine.

Twenty eight volunteers in 10 states and 2 countries hooked the animals.
A pillow made by Mary was up for bids in a silent auction.
This room sized rug featured alphabet blocks and took 23 months to hook (if I remember correctly) according to Mary's granddaughter who is seated to the right hooking. She said it was in her Grandma's dining room and she remembers jumping from letter to letter as a child.
Mary's granddaughter.
A hooked cape in a very fine cut. I can't imagine how heavy it must be!
Hooked shawl.
The next pictures are the four seasons of the Sycamore Hollow house.

Though not too clear, more of her work including a stair runner.
Needless to say, Mary was a very prolific hooker. Her work was absolutely breathtaking!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

7 comments:

weaverpat said...

What amazing work! She certainly did some unique hooked art.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful exhibit!

prims by olde lady morgan said...

AMAZING!!! OLM

moosecraft said...

I am in awe! What a truly beautiful and inspiring legacy she leaves behind...

Andrea said...

Yeah, I could do that.

O.K., who am I kidding. Wasn't her work wonderful. Took my breath away. Just the amount of time it must have taken. Then you add in her talent and I am blown away.

Kathy (woolfind) said...

Can't even imagine! So happy for you that you were there to see it in person (insert envious :) ). Thanks so much for sharing it, and I'm sure it is something you'll always remember. Can't ever say there is nothing to inpsire us. Just look around us!!

Tammy Burks said...

All I can say is WOW! I always thought Mary Burton looked like such a "lady" and now seeing her granddaughter (with that beautiful posture)...she must have gotten many innate gifts from her grandmother.

Leonard Feenan said...

Thank you all and we are happy you enjoyed the show. Leonard Feenan