Exhibit showcases mats and art

‘Art Begets Art: Hooked Mats and the Art that Inspired Them’ on now at Eptek

“Art Begets Art: Hooked Mats and the Art that Inspired Them” opened last weekend at Eptek Centre. This invitational exhibition pairs the original designs of 22 Island rug hookers with paintings and fine craft by 22 local visual artists

The idea of the exhibition was conceived by cocurator Linda Marchbank a couple of years ago and brought to life by 22 pairs of Island artists and rug hookers.

The inspiration pieces were solicited in 2016 from artists and craftspeople, who work on P.E.I. Photos of one piece of work from each of these individuals were presented to 22 Island rug hookers who chose their inspiration piece by random draw in the fall of 2016.

After a creative winter during which the rug hookers brainstormed ideas and developed an original rug design, each rug hooker executed their own design and delivered it to the Summerside exhibition facility. The inspiration piece and the hooked item that it inspired have now been matched and installed together at Eptek Centre.

The tables were turned later in the fall of 2016 when images of previous original hooked mats were sent to the 22 inspiration artists inviting them to produce a painting or work of craft inspired by the mat. Five artists took up the challenge and these pairs of work will also hang in the exhibition. Although not all fine art mediums or craft categories are included in the exhibition, co-curator Paula Kenny promises there is something for everyone among the many pieces on display.

The 55 items (an extra piece because one rug hooker responded to a painting with two mats) will remain on display until Oct. 6.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre, on the Summerside waterfront, is open year round and presents local and travelling exhibitions on themes of visual art, history, and science.

In June, the centre is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 902-888-8373.