HOOKED! 

WISCASSET DEALER JOHN SIDELI HOSTS

HOOKED RUG SHOW FROM LAURA FISHER JUNE 17-JULY 17 

In celebration of a much anticipated Maine event this summer - the hooked rug exhibition at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland - New York City dealer/author Laura Fisher has curated a show and sale of related antique hooked rugs at the new Wiscasset gallery of dealer/artist John Sideli.

From June 17 through July 17, Sideli's visitors will find great geometric, pictorial and floral hooked rugs from Maine and elsewhere, many of them from the same communities and resources on exhibit at the Museum: a mid-19th century exuberant floral hearth rug of vivid color and monumental size; late-19th century animal rugs hooked from the patterns of Maine entrepreneurs Frost, Ross and Gibbs; a leafy geometric runner from New Hope, PA. artist Arthur Meltzer; a hunting scenic and a rare geometric mat from the Grenfell Industries; raised motif Waldeboro-type florals; and graphic rugs with the modern geometry and timeless appeal for which Fisher's NYC gallery FISHER HERITAGE is known.

Sideli has relocated into the former ballroom of Wiscasset's 19th century Masonic Temple, merging his art studio and residence with his unique showroom gallery. His is an eclectic mix of antique American folk art including weathervanes, trade signs, paintings, furniture, redware and early glass, along with select African and Pre-Columbian art, distinctive furniture, lighting and artifacts of an industrial nature.

Also on view is Sideli’s own art - thoughtful mixed media constructions he assembles from antique found objects, guided by his acclaimed aesthetic for form and surface.  His sculptural works were recently shown in “Mind Over Matter” at the Tillou Gallery, Litchfield, CT, and in ”Altered States” at the Park Row Gallery, Chatham, NY.

Throughout the summer in Maine, a selection of Fisher's antique quilts, coverlets, blankets and textiles will be available alongside Sideli’s choice collections.

John Sideli Gallery, 43 Middle Street (at Main Street), Wiscasset, ME 04578.

 Hours are 10-6, Thursday through Sunday

June through September, and other times by apppointment.

Contact: John Sideli: 207/882-6281;  Laura Fisher: 212/838-2596