March - April 2025: Duxbury Rug Hookers

Duxbury Rug Hookers
On the Wall and Underfoot

About the Duxbury Rug Hookers  

It’s been almost 25 years since a few women first got together in Duxbury to share their mutual passion for the art of rug-hooking and to foster the type of fellowship integral to this folk tradition born of frugality. They hooked in various styles using new and recycled wool fabric, along with chemical or vegetable dyes to create both bright and muted colors in their rugs. 

Front row (l-r): Maddie Thomas, Lanci Valentine, Marci Chastanet, Jeana Homola, Gretchen Moran
Back row (l-r): Judy Moakler, Carol Smith, Mary Curran, Maureen Thayer, Laurie Sybertz, Nancy Martin, Ann Dunleavy
Not pictured: Helene DeVos, Olga Rothschild, and Maggie LuongoAt first, the handful of women met weekly in the Duxbury home of Olga Rothschild, a nationally renowned artist whose rugs have been featured in museums, books and periodicals. In 2013, Olga received Duxbury’s “Speak for Yourself Award” for her role in establishing Duxbury Rug Hookers while nurturing an increasing cadre of local rug hooking enthusiasts. 

Once more than twenty hookers from Duxbury and beyond had joined the group, it was time to look for a larger meeting space where they could practice their art, learn from each other, and continue to build camaraderie. 

Fortunately, the historic Alden Homestead in Duxbury offered its barn as a new home for the group’s weekly sessions and occasional exhibits. In gratitude, Duxbury Rug Hookers launched its now annual practice of creating a group rug for affiliated local nonprofits to use as a fundraising vehicle.  

Nowadays, Duxbury Rug Hookers meet every Tuesday morning at Duxbury Senior Center where all are welcome to experience the joys and challenges of rug hooking. 

Active Members of the Duxbury Rug Hookers