: "Light From The Past: Early American Rugs From The Collection of
Ronnie Newman" will be on exhibition in the Kresge Gallery at the
Berrie Center on the campus of Ramapo College of New Jersey March
31-May 6. An opening reception from 5 to 8 pm and collector's
talk at 6 pm are scheduled Wednesday, March 31.
These early sewn and hooked rugs created in the humble dwellings
of colonial and post-colonial America provided warmth and color
to many a dark, low-ceilinged room. Survivors of the very best of
these weavings, some dating from the Eighteenth Century, are some
of the finest examples of American folk art. This show features
yarn-sewn, shirred, appliquéd, embroidered and hooked rugs.
"A connoisseur of folk art with a discriminating eye, he [Newman}
has amassed a stunning range of works. While these textiles have
a powerful aesthetic appeal, they also have interdisciplinary
teaching value, providing a sense of historic consequence within
a framework of austere beauty," said Sydney Jenkins, director of
Ramapo's art galleries.
Gallery hours have been extended for this exhibition: Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday from 1 to 5 pm, Wednesday from 1 to 9 pm, and
Sunday 2 to 5 pm. For information, 201-684-7147.
