This Saturday, 91-year-old Betty Mason will have her very first gallery opening.



"Porky, "hand-dyed hooked rug



Mason, a Saratogian, began making rugs in the 1970s with a group of local women in Charlton. The women prepared their own yarns with wools from clothing found in thrift stores, and the arduous process involved shredding and hand-dying the fibers to get the hues they wanted. To find an old Pendleton coat was a thrift-store jackpot, which Mason says, “made for the best wool of all.” 





This Saturday, Mason will share her rugs with the community-- all of which were made for family members to reflect their styles and interests.  Amongst them you'll see storybook scenes, family pets and other memories from over the years. 



Cherico's "Squirrel with a Pearl Earring"



Megan Hyde, assistant curator at the Tang Teaching Museum and curator of Mason's exhibit said, "We're so glad that Betty will see how much joy she brings to people... She's a warm, intelligent, accomplished person, and all that comes through in her work-- along with her great sense of humor." 



Mason's exhibit, entitled "A World in String," also features work from Rhode Island based embroidery artist Vincent Cherico. The exhibit is his first public showing as well, and is the perfect complement to Mason's.

See Mason and Cherico on opening night this Saturday, May 5 at Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring Street from 5 to 7 p.m.

Congratulations Betty!