Archbold, OH – Recognized as the largest rug hooking event in North America, Sauder Village is pulling out all the stops again this year for their annual Rug Hooking Week!
A spectacular celebration of this traditional craft, the 2023 Rug Hooking Exhibit will run August 16-19. With amazing displays of hooked rugs, workshops, lectures, vendors and many special exhibits, Rug Hooking Week is expected to draw thousands of savvy rug hookers to Sauder Village – Ohio’s largest living history destination.
“Our 27th annual Rug Hooking Week celebrates the rich tradition of rug hooking while showcasing the fine craftsmanship of rug hookers from around the world,” shared Jeanette Smith, Director of Marketing.
“Each year, thousands of attendees and exhibitors come from more than 30 U.S. states and many countries.”
“Some spend a day or two viewing the exhibit and shopping the vendors, while others spend the entire week taking advantage of all aspects of the event including taking classes, networking with other artists, as well as enjoying the Historic Village.”
For four days starting Wednesday, August 16 through Saturday, August 19, contemporary and historic fiber art works will be displayed gallery style in beautiful Founder’s Hall.
The exhibit will offer a new and exciting display of colors, patterns, sizes and designs featuring hundreds of rugs in a number of categories.
The exhibit is an amazing celebration of the creativity and hard work each rug represents. In addition to hooked and punched work, the exhibit also includes a variety of other fiber arts.
This year’s event includes our featured exhibit, “The Golden Age of Illustrated Fairy Tales” by Melissa Pattacini & Robin Rennie which showcases over 100 fascinating and amazing fairy tale works created between 1880’s and 1920s.
Several special exhibits highlighting many talented artists and rug hookers in the industry include “History of Amish Rug Hooking”, “Inspired Vessels” “Lift Every Voice”, by Elizabeth Catlett, Design & Symbolism by Theodor Sizer (1897- 1967) And USA 50 States Hooked Cushions.
There will also be a virtual exhibit via the world wide web featuring rugs by 17 rug artists from Tokyo, Japan that will be joining us virtually during the exhibit to share their rugs in Japan.
Both contemporary and historic artists and authorities will be represented with hooked, punched, and other fiber arts.
Other special exhibits include The“Celebration Exhibit” will feature the award-winning work from this year’s international competition sponsored by Rug Hooking Magazine.
This exclusive display will feature some of the best rugs in the country as well as internationally.
The Rug Hooking event also provides guests the opportunity to purchase supplies, kits, and tools directly from respected vendors specializing in rug hooking materials.
Each day of the exhibit there will be working demonstrators to watch and avid rug hookers available to share first-hand information about this traditional craft.
There are a variety of rug hooking classes offered throughout the week including gallery talks about the exhibit and many other hands-on workshops.

For more details visit the Sauder Village website at www.saudervillage.org or call 800.590.9755 to check class availability.
In addition to enjoying the exhibit in Founder’s Hall, guests can also take time to visit the many talented craftsmen demonstrating their trade in places like the Spinning Shop, Pottery Shop, Tin Shop, Cooperage, Basket Shop, Weaving Shop, and Glassblowing Shop.
The Walk Through Time Experience provides a chance to explore wigwams and a trading post at Natives & Newcomers and to visit historic homes, a log school, a barn, and beautiful gardens in the Pioneer Settlement Area.
The spectacular 1920s Main Street is sure to be a favorite stop as families peek at what’s playing on the big screen, buy sweet treats at the candy store, explore the grocery clothing, hardware and jewelry stores, visit the fire station, meet horses at the livery, and sip a chocolate malt at the soda fountain.
There is also plenty of great shopping and free rides on the Erie Express Train! A visit to Sauder Village would not be complete without some delicious, home-style food from the Barn Restaurant and Doughbox Bakery!
For those looking to extend their stay, the 98-room Heritage Inn has many places for guests to relax and enjoy spending time together by the fireplace or Great Oak Tree, or playing in the indoor pool or hot tub!
The 87-site Campground is a great place to relax while fishing, riding bikes around Little Lake Erie, or playing in the Splash Pad.
Sauder Village is located at 22611 State Route 2 in Archbold – just minutes from Exit 25 of the Ohio Turnpike.
The Historic Village is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The historic village is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays this season.
Regular admission is $24.00 for adults, $18.00 for students (4-16), and free for members and children 3 and under. AAA and senior discounts are also available.
Other upcoming Sauder Village events include Home School Days September 6-8, Vintage Baseball, September 23 and Explore the Crafts, October 7.
For details about Rug Hooking Week or planning a memorable Sauder Village getaway call 800.590.9755, visit www.saudervillage.org, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.