An event that will showcase works of art from Pakistan will be onhand in one Red Deer store. The Fair Trade Oriental Rug event is set to take place at Ten Thousand Villages from June 21-29.
More than 100 hand-knotted Bunyaad rugs will be on display and available to purchase.
From intricate florals to hand-spun natural dye wool tribals, every Bunyaad rug has been designed by highly skilled and fairly paid adults, said Leslie Jodoin, manager at Ten Thousand Villages in Red Deer.
“When artisans know they are paid for every knot they tie, they are empowered to focus on the fine details of intricate rugs that will last for generations,” she said. “It’s a huge deal for us to get this here.”
Bunyaad works with more than 850 families throughout 100 villages in Pakistan.
“These families are making these rugs in their own homes. This supports them and it allows the women to work on them too and to get paid a fair wage, as well as the men. That’s huge because in that country jobs in their villages are hard to come by and jobs for women are harder to find,” said Jodoin. “It’s an amazing story.”
She added these rugs are meant to be heirlooms.
“We don’t see the quality of these types of rugs here. They are meant to be passed down to your family. These rugs can last up to 125 years. They truly are works of art.”
An ‘Introduction to Oriental Rugs’ seminar will be held at the Red Deer store, located at 4925 48 St.) on June 21st at 7 p.m. The one-hour seminar is ideal for anyone considering an Oriental rug purchase or who would like to learn more about the art of rug making, rug care and even room design. Refreshments will be served and admission is free. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
“The story behind how these rugs are made is quite incredible.”
Participants at the event will learn how to make a knot. They will also learn the different patterns from the different regions in Pakistan.
To make a reservation or for more information about the Ten Thousand Villages Oriental Rug event call Leslie Jodoin at 403-341-0178 or visit www.tenthousandvillages.ca.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
