Rug Appreciation Day
with Turabi Topal
Saturday, March 20, 11am-4pm

Ever wondered about Great-Aunt Mary’s oriental rug you inherited? Or the bargain you found at a yard sale? Where and how was it made? How much is it really worth?

In conjunction with the Holter’s stunning Magic Carpets exhibition, rug master Turabi Topal is flying in from Seattle for a Rug Appreciation Day. Mr. Topal, business partner of Helena’s own Ersun Ozer of Anatolia Oriental Rug Gallery, began working with carpets when he was 12 years old in Turkey. He is considered a magician of weaving and intricate repair, and his extensive knowledge comes from decades of hands-on experience. He will discuss the history and technique of carpet weaving from 11am to noon and will give pointers on how to distinguish carpet types, their origins, and what makes a carpet valuable. From noon until 4pm he will examine your carpets with you and answer questions. If your carpet is too large to carry, please consider bringing photographs

Corky Clairmont, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is an accomplished print-maker and conceptual artist. The recipient of the 2008 Montana Governor’s Award in the Arts, Clairmont is an immensely gifted leader and educator in the Salish and Kootenai community.  He will be speaking about his current exhibition Welcome to the Rez as well as other aspects of his work as an artist, teacher and community leader.