Susie Stephenson, talented local rug-hooker, has donated a fabulous alewife rug for a raffle to support the fish ladder restoration. The rug is oval, 4-ft. wide, by 5-ft. long, and is hooked with vibrant, hand-dyed wool strips. The blue-green background gives a wonderful feeling of moving water, while the fish are brightly colored and patterned. “The rug is made to go on a floor,” Susie said, “but it could also be hung on a wall.”
The drawing for the alewife rung will be held on Mon., May 30 at the Fish Ladder Restoration Festival in Damariscotta Mills.
In the meantime, the rug will be on display in various locations around town where tickets can be purchased. At present, the rug is hanging at Alewife Fabrics in Damariscotta Mills, where it will be shown until March 2.
From March 3-5, the rug will be on display at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockland and on March 26 it will hang at the Bean Supper Fundraiser for the Fish Ladder at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle. Other locations have yet to be determined. Tickets are $5 each or six for $25.
Stephenson has been rug-hooking for 16 years and has created numerous hooked rugs, often of nautical or animal themes, as well as hooked clothing. She is the author of “Designing and Hooking Primitive Rugs” and she frequently teaching classes on rug-hooking. Her rugs can be seen at the Stable Gallery in Damariscotta. In addition, she will have a hooked coat on exhibit at the Farnsworth Art Musuem in Rockland this summer.
“We are very excited about Susie’s donation,” said Deb Wilson of the Fish Ladder Restoration Committee. “The rug is amazing! Everyone who sees it can imagine it in their house!”
The Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration has been underway since 2007 and, to date, approximately one-third of the fish ladder has been restored and another section has been partially restored.
The work has been possible due to the generosity of Stephenson and many, many others who have volunteered time, donated funds, and helped in numerous other ways. To help with the restoration or to volunteer, please contact Deb Wilson at deb.wilson@roadrunner.com or 563-1383. Be sure to check out www.damariscottamills.org.
