Early American Rugs on Display at
Ramapo College's Berrie Center
(Mahwah) - 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 beginning March 31 and continuing through May 6. An opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. and collector's talk at 6 p.m. 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 18th century, are today a legacy providing us with some of the finest examples of American folk art.
This distinguished collection, comprising yarn-sewn, shirred, appliquéd, embroidered and hooked rugs presents a rare opportunity to partake of this heritage.
Ronnie Newman, internationally known as a dealer in rare oriental rugs, is a multi-talented person with an academic background in classical and modern languages. A skilled puppet-maker and puppeteer, he produced a marionette theater with his partner Norman Gallof-appearing often throughout New England- and as actor and classical singer has appeared on and off-Broadway in musical and non-musical roles.
A connoisseur of folk art with a discriminating eye, he 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," says Sydney Jenkins, director of Ramapo's art galleries.
Gallery hours have been extended for this exhibition. The gallery is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday from 1 - 9 p.m. Special Sunday hours are from 2 - 5 p.m. For more information call 201.684.7147.
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