For Immediate Release

Hannover, Germany and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia – Red Spruce is pleased to announce that one of its signature handwork carpets has been honoured as a finalist in the “Studio Artist” Category of the prestigious international Carpet Design Awards on January 15, 2012 at the DOMOTEX Flooring Show in Hannover, Germany. The awards are the ultimate accolade worldwide for handmade carpets, confirming the stature of the winners and shortlisted companies as the leading edge of the rug industry. Of 210 entries from 26 countries the Red Spruce carpet “sand dollar” - which was designed by Nova Scotian Troy Benoit and shown in a brilliant blue and cream palate of “Truro Blue” - was selected as a shortlist finalist. It has been previously exhibited in San Francisco and New York and described as “deliciously plush” and having a lacelike appeal by “LUXE interiors + design, New York”.

Red Spruce Creative Director Michael Christie attended the awards ceremony when the winner was announced had this to say. “It is truly an honour to have been selected as one of three finalists in the competition. And though we did not win in the traditional sense, it is was amazing to see one of our carpet designs recognized on the world stage.” Mr. Christie is an inimitable personality in the rug industry, author of the widely read rug blog “The Ruggist” (www.theruggist.com), and is an Associate Teacher in the Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia.

Of the shortlisted carpet “sand dollar” the judges had this to say: “The carpets of Red Spruce bring a traditional vernacular into the modern era.” Furthermore, the rugs and carpets of Red Spruce, including their “Red Spruce for Odegard Collection” – which is available exclusively at Odegard Showrooms in New York and San Francisco - are no stranger to critical acclaim, having been previously described as:

“giv[ing] the traditional aesthetic a modern sensibility”
   - Canadian House and Home

“distinctly modern, often abstract and at times quirky with no resemblance to traditional hooked rugs, except in texture.”
  - COVER, Modern Carpets & Textiles for Interiors

“Whimsical and Artful”
   - Interior Design

Red Spruce is the only commercial maker of decorative handwork (hooked) rugs in North America, a Juried Member of the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council (NSDCC), and is proudly Nova Scotian. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers. Handcrafted in Canada of the finest materials, Red Spruce rugs and carpets are available ready-made, bespoke, or by commission of exemplary original work through stockists in New York, San Francisco, Houston, and Halifax.

Since its inception in 2005 the prestigious international Carpet Design Awards have become recognized as an industry benchmark, celebrating the commitment and innovation of leading new carpet producers. The awards highlight and reward the remarkable talent and creative energy that drives and motivates the handmade carpet and rug industry. The “Best Studio Artist” Category recognizes work in limited edition and those designed by artist and textile studios, providing exposure for pioneering and avant-garde design work. www.domotex.de

Red Spruce was featured in the Fall 2011 Issue of LUXE. Interiors + Design, New York City Edition. Our international recognized design "sand dollar" was described as having a lace-like appeal and as "deliciously plush". We could not agree more!

The Fall 2011 Issue of East Coast Living features the Red Spruce Carpet "kikeriki" as designed by acclaimed Halifax Visual Artist and Illustrator Nick Brunt and renowned carpet expert and Ruggist (and Red Spruce Creative Director) Michael A.C. Christie.

Drawing on his playful relationship with his mother, one in which Mr. Christie routinely uses outmoded language to describe a rooster; Michael conveyed his concept of a rug to Mr. Brunt who created the original artwork for this design, which was then further adapted by Mr. Christie. The carnelian rooster is comically dominant in the farm scene as he beckons forth the new dawn, while the balance of the bright and refreshing palate alludes to an optimistic day. The 1.63m x 2.64m (5'4" x 8'8") carpet is made of a 100% Wool Pile handhooked to a Linen Foundation, and is priced at: $15,230.00 (CAD)

Red Spruce is a Nova Scotia company, a Juried Member of the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council (NSDCC), and is the only commercial maker of decorative handwork (hooked) rugs in North America. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handcrafted in Canada of the finest materials. Red Spruce rugs and carpets are available ready-made or made-to-order through stockists in New York, San Francisco, Houston, and Halifax. Commissions of original work and exemplary pieces are also accepted. www.redspruce.ca

Red Spruce is currently being featured on the curated design website "20BestTwenty" which highlights "the best designs, premier pieces and unique products from independent sellers". Thanks to Meg for the mention.

The Stephanie Odegard designed carpet "Ainu" as coloured by Red Spruce Creative Director Michael A.C. Christie and made by Red Spruce as part of the "Red Spruce for Odegard" Collection, was featured in the "Style Spotlight" section of the New York Design Center's Array Magazine - Summer 2011 Issue.

Red Spruce Rugs and Carpets are available in the United States at Odegard Showrooms in New York and San Francisco.

Red Spruce is the premier (and dare we say only?!) maker of authentic handwork (hooked) rugs and carpets in North America. We specialize in producing collection and heirloom quality rugs and carpets that blend the traditions of the past, with the sensibilities of today. Our rugs and carpets have been called:

“distinctly modern, often abstract” and at times “quirky with no resemblance to traditional hooked rugs, except in texture.”
   - COVER Summer 2011

“… tak[ing] the traditional style of rug hooking to a new level”
   - Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council Standards Committee

“Trend for 2011”
   - House Beautiful Magazine

“Whimsical and Artful”
   - Interior Design

We are currently actively seeking rug and carpet dealers with an affinity toward our product who would be interested in becoming one of our discrete and exclusive stockists. If you would like more information, you may click on the image below to download our informational brochure, or you can of course contact us directly at homeoffice@redspruce.ca or 01 902 482 0460.

The downloaded file is in Adobe PDF format.

COVER, the renowned modern carpet and textile publication from the United Kingdom features a two (2) page expose on Red Spruce Creative Director and infamous rug blogger (www.theruggist.com) Michael Christie in the Summer 2011 Issue out now and through the Autumn.

Penned by Katie Loux, the article goes on to say that our designs are "distinctively modern, often abstract" as well as "quirky that have no resemblance to traditional hooked rugs, except in texture." And we thank her for that great praise.

Renowned Canadian shelter publication “Canadian House and Home” has singled out Red Spruce on page thirty-two (32) in the Style Files section for the July 2011 issue. The Issue is currently available on newsstands and retail outlets throughout Canada.

“When I moved to Canada, “House and Home” was the first shelter [design] magazine that people told me I should read.” says Michael Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce, “It’s a real honour to have our carpets featured. Who would have thought that doing the work you love would attract so much attention?” “House and Home” describes the rugs as “giv[ing] the traditional aesthetic a modern sensibility”, which Mr. Christie says, “is just the way I want our rugs to be seen. Juxtaposing the old with the new if you will”.

Red Spruce is featured in the February 2011 Issue of renowned design publication Interior Design. Red Spruce is joined by other established and visionary rug companies such as Edward Fields, The Rug Company, Rug Art, and Tamarian in the multi-page feature on flooring trends. Interior Design is available at better newsstands worldwide.

The Stephanie Odegard designed carpet "Hallo Metok" as coloured by Red Spruce Creative Director Michael A.C. Christie and made by Red Spruce as part of the "Red Spruce for Odegard" Collection, was featured in the new products section of the New York Design Center's Array Magazine - Winter 2011 Issue.

Red Spruce Rugs and Carpets are available in the United States at Odegard Showrooms in New York and San Francisco.

Join Us!

Rec Spruce for Odegard Collection Debut in San Francisco
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 12:00-13:00 PST

Red Spruce Creative Director Michael Christie will join Stephanie Odegard in her eponymous carpet showroom at the San Francisco Design Centre as the "Red Spruce for Odegard" collection of handwork rugs and carpets from Nova Scotia is introduced to the West Coast of the United States!

House Beautiful, the respected and oldest stiil-published shelter magazine, has named Red Spruce and our Red Spruce for Odegard Collection as a "Trend for 2011" in its December 2010 / January 2011 issue.

For Immediate Release

Halifax, NS – Red Spruce and Argyle Fine Art are pleased to announce a special exhibit that will see the award winning gallery transformed into a veritable carpet studio that features new and in progress work from their collections, rug hooking and finishing demonstrations, and an in depth look into how Red Spruce’s signature rugs and carpets are made. “Start to Finish: The Making of a Red Spruce Carpet” will take place at Argyle Fine Art from November 25 until November 27, 2010. A special invitation only preview for members of Halifax’s design community is on Thursday, November 25, 2010 from 4 to 7pm, with the public opening reception on Friday, November 26, 2010 from 7 to 9pm.

Work from the “Banook” Collection, which features the design work of local and international artists: Anna Stowe, Michael Stowe (Father of Anna), Kimberly Vallis, Andrew Quon, Nick Brunt, Robin Gray, Keith Bentley, and Jared Betts, will be on display, as will designs from the “Echo” Collection which features work from the internationally renown and venerable New York City carpet house: Odegard.

“In fact, we recently entered into a partnership with Odegard that sees our carpet and designs available at the flagship Odegard showroom in New York, and allows us to make some of Odegard’s most revered designs in our signature handwork aesthetic.” says Michael Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce. “It is a great partnership that I know will see great growth for our studio, and I’m really pleased to be able to share all of this excitement with everyone here who makes it possible.”

Red Spruce is Juried Member of the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council (NSDCC) whose work the Standards Committee praises as “… tak[ing] the traditional style of rug hooking to a new level”, and who, in addition to being represented by Odegard, has carpets available at Carol Piper Rugs in Houston, Texas.

Red Spruce. Makers of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handcrafted in Canada of the finest materials.  Available ready-made or made-to-order through stockists in New York, Houston, and Halifax. Commissions of original work and exemplary pieces are also accepted. www.redspruce.ca

For further INFORMATION, IMAGES, or to arrange an INTERVIEW, contact:
Michael Christie at 01 902 482 0460 or homeoffice@redspruce.ca
Or Adriana Afford at 01 902 425 9456 or gallery@argylefa.com

Join us!

Red Spruce and Argyle Fine Art present a special limited exhibit that will see the award winning gallery transformed into a veritable carpet studio. There will be live rug hooking demonstrations, demonstrations of rug finishing, displays of wew and past work and archival documents illustrating how a carpet design is developed.

Invitation Only Trade Event: Thursday, November, 25, 2010 4-7pm
Public Opening Reception: Friday, November 26, 2010 7-9pm

For Immediate Release

Stowe and Stowe now amongst Artist ranks designing rugs for Red Spruce

Halifax, NS – Michael Stowe, an artist known for his expressive and richly coloured carved panels, has recently licensed several pieces of his artwork to Dartmouth based studio carpet house Red Spruce for use in their signature handwork rugs and carpets. Michael joins an existing cadre of local artists who already license their work, including of all people his daughter Anna Stowe, whose designs are prominently featured in Red Spruce’s portfolio. This father daughter pairing goes beyond the familial however, and is indeed a true collaboration in spirit and art.

“My work is all done by hand. Drawing the designs first on paper, then transferring them to the panels, carving and then finally colouring them.” says Michael Stowe of his work. “Translating the designs to something usable for a rug required a different thought process. I sat with Anna [Stowe at the computer] to colourize my designs at the illustration stage, something I’ve not done before. I’ve never used a computer to colour a design, in fact I don’t even own one.”

Family work in the arts and crafts is nothing new, and enjoys a long history going back to the age of guilds, when workshops and skills would be passed from one generation to the next. And while it is a bit trite to say, there is something intrinsically endearing about parent and child working together.

“I was very excited when Anna approached me for her father” says Michael A.C. Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce, “I was really intrigued to see his initial illustrations, and then more so to see what would come of the collaboration process. In the end I am delighted to be able to select two designs for licensing.”

The two designs of the elder Stowe are as of yet untitled and will be added to the “Banook” Collection of Red Spruce. Featuring a strong art nouveau aesthetic and a palate reminiscent of William Morris, they will be available for purchase in the early part of 2011 through Red Spruce dealers in New York City, Houston, and Halifax.

Michael Stowe is a self-taught artist who creates beautifully crafted original carved works from his studio in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. His portfolio can be found at: www.STOdesigns.com/m_art.php

artist / designer / illustrator, Anna Stowe, works from her home studio in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Miles of Bliss, a body of her paintings exploring vintage motocross is on display through the end of October at Love Me Boutique in Halifax. A portfolio of her work can be found online at www.STOdesigns.com.

Red Spruce. Makers of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handcrafted in Canada of the finest materials.  Available ready-made or made-to-order through stockists in New York, Houston, and Halifax. Commissions of original work and exemplary pieces are also accepted. www.redspruce.ca

For further INFORMATION, IMAGES, or to arrange an INTERVIEW, contact:
Michael Christie at 01 902 482 0460 or homeoffice@redspruce.ca

This year has been a great year for Red Spruce and saw us launch our first advertising campaign in the UK based COVER magazine. Below is a quick retrospective of our adverts to date.

What's New? What's Next? @ 200 Lex.
Red Spruce at Odegard

Join Creative Director Michael A.C. Christie and Technical Director Victoria Graham on Wednesday, September 22, 1010 as they introduce Red Spruce to New York City at venerable carpet house Odegard's flagship showroom located at the New York Design Center. The event is in conjunction with the NYDC "What's New? What's Next?" trade/press day which introduces the newest and most innovative products to the United States' tastemakers.

Featured will be several of Red Spruce's carpets including: Asteroid and Bluecollar by Michael A.C. Christie, Flock by Anna Stowe, and in a first, Hallo Metok by Odegard executed in Red Spruce's signature handwork aesthetic. A further nineteen (19) studies of other designs will also be on display along with live demonstrations of hooking by Ms. Graham.

For Immediate Release

Red Spruce announces United States Distribution and Resulting Equity (Stock) Offering.

Halifax, NS – Quality and authenticity are guiding tenets and shared beliefs of both the venerable New York City based rug company Odegard and upstart Halifax based studio rug maker Red Spruce. These common values have brought the two companies together to announce that Red Spruce rugs and carpets will soon be available in select Odegard Showrooms throughout the United States.

Red Spruce at Odegard will debut during an invitation only soiree on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 in the flagship New York City showroom of Odegard, located at the New York City Design Center. The event, which coincides with the building’s “What’s New? What’s Hot!” day will exhibit a selection of full sized carpets and studies from Red Spruce, and, in what is a first for Odegard, will feature select Odegard designs reinterpreted into the signature aesthetic and texture of Red Spruce. These “Odegard for Red Spruce” carpets will be available exclusively through Odegard,

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us.” says Michael Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce. “I’ve been an admirer of Odegard for many years, and to have our work validated by this tacit endorsement is almost surreal.” Red Spruce anticipates that the Odegard agreement will lead to a marked jump in sales requiring faster than anticipated growth. “We don’t know what to expect exactly in terms of sales, only that based on their [Odegard’s] history this is going to be really big for us and for Nova Scotia hookers.”

To that end, Red Spruce is currently offering for sale a limited quantity of equity (stock) in the company in order to fund short term increased operating expenses and to build out production capacity in its Dartmouth based studio. The investments qualify for the Nova Scotia Equity Tax Credit, and are suited to long term socially conscious and Nova Scotia proud investors. Those seeking more information may contact the Red Spruce directly.

Odegard is a world-renowned leader in originally designed and produced hand knotted carpets of the highest quality standards. Odegard has also developed a collection of handmade furniture, lighting, decorative accessories and architectural elements honoring the rich architectural and decorative histories they express.  With its promise for product quality and integrity, the Odegard brand is synonymous with luxury, stand alone design and far reaching social responsibility. www.odegardinc.com
 
Red Spruce. Makers of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handmade in Canada of the finest materials.  Available ready-made or made-to-order. Commissions of original work and exemplary pieces are also accepted. www.redspruce.ca

For further INFORMATION, IMAGES, or to arrange an INTERVIEW, contact:
Michael Christie at 01 902 482 0460 or homeoffice@redspruce.ca

Red Spruce is currently actively seeking rug and carpet dealers with an affinity toward our product who would be interested in becoming one of our discrete and exclusive stockists. If you would like more information, you may click on the image below to download our informational brochure, or you can of course contact us directly at homeoffice@redspruce.ca or 01 902 482 0460.

The downloaded file is in Adobe PDF format.

Halifax, NS – Striving to make the best rugs and carpets requires a passionate, skilled, and dedicated team of individuals. Red Spruce is pleased to announce the appointment of Victoria Graham of Brier Island, Nova Scotia to serve as both as Technical Director for the company and as its first Board Member from within Nova Scotia’s vibrant rug hooking community. Both appointments are effective June 1, 2010.

“Vicki [Victoria] has sort of been a part of Red Spruce since before there was Red Spruce” says Michael Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce. “I met her when she was Treasurer of the Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia and I was just exploring the idea [of Red Spruce]. In fact, I then took my first rug hooking class from her. It seems only fitting that we now formally recognize her technical skills and capabilities by bringing her onboard.”

Ms. Graham is an experienced fibre artist, dye technician, rug hooker, and businesswoman who is the proprietor of the successful Hooking by the Sea Retreats on Nova Scotia’s Brier Island, and is soon to become a Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia Certified Instructor. Her technical and experienced based skills complement those already present within Red Spruce, while her willingness to experiment with new techniques will ensure Red Spruce does not rest on its laurels.

Red Spruce and Hooking by the Sea Retreats share a common holistic approach to sustainability which employs several waste diversion and reduction techniques based on the tradition of recycling in the rug hooking community. Furthermore, a shared belief in better results through collaboration means Ms. Graham will continue to operate her business while working to grow Red Spruce. Both companies source locally whenever possible, and in fact Red Spruce is one of a few makers of hand-made rugs and carpets who produce in North America, and source the majority of their raw materials from North American as well.

Hooking by the Sea Retreats is one of Nova Scotia’s premier experiential tourism attractions, offering classes in the traditional fibre arts of spinning, dyeing, felting and rug hooking. Visitors are treated to a customized range of activities and learning experiences, fresh local cuisine, and the unmatched inspirational beauty of Brier Island. www.hookingbythesearetreats.com

Red Spruce. Makers of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handmade in Canada of the finest materials.  Available ready-made or made-to-order. Commissions of original work and exemplary pieces are also accepted. www.redspruce.ca

For further INFORMATION, IMAGES, or to arrange an INTERVIEW, contact:
Michael Christie at 01 902 482 0460 or homeoffice@redspruce.ca or
Victoria Graham at 01 902 839 2607 or vfgraham@ns.sympatico.ca

Red Spruce is pleased to be featured in issue five (5) of uppercase. uppercase is billed as a magazine for the "creative and curious" and is pubilshed out of Calgary, Alberta. A full page article can be found on page forty-two (42) and was penned by none other than Red Spruce Creative Director, Michael Christie.

More info on uppercase can be found here.

Red Spruce is proud to support the mission of Nova Scotia Come to Life: Promoting, supporting and realizing Nova Scotia as a wonderful place to both live and work. Red Spruce and its Creative Director Michael Christie are honoured to be the current Featured Artist at Nova Scotia - Come to Life.

The article can be found currently at: Nova Scotia - Come to life. or a downloadable PDF version can be found by clicking on the image below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red Spruce announces Participation in Special Hooked Rug Exhibit.

Halifax, NS and Houston, TX – Exhibits aren’t just for Museums. In the world of upmarket carpets and rugs, showrooms are increasing incorporating exhibits as a means of educating their customers, and exposing them to new rarefied products. Red Spruce is pleased to announce it has been invited to participate in an ongoing exhibit of Contemporary Hooked Rugs taking place this month at Carol Piper Rugs in Houston, Texas. The Exhibit runs through February 26, 2010.

A special selection of Red Spruce Studies (small samples) featuring designs from artists Keith Bentley, Andrew Quon, Anna Stowe, Michael A.C. Christie and John Kurtz, will be on display along with the aptly named “bluecollar”; a full sized rug in a patchwork design made from repurposed woollen shirts and skirts of North American origin.

Other carpets and rugs in the exhibit include pieces from Weavers Guild and The New England Collection. The later is inspired from extant antique hooked rugs originating from the American North East and Canadian Maritimes.

“I was thrilled when Ryan [Reitmeyer] called and asked us to participate” says Michael Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce. Red Spruce is one of a few makers of hand-made rugs and carpets who produce in North America, and source the majority of their raw materials from North American as well.

“The texture [of the Red Spruce Handwork quality] is totally amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.” says Ryan Reitmeyer of Carol Piper Rugs. “This is such an authentic product that when I was first introduced to Red Spruce I immediately thought of including it in our exhibit.”

Carol Piper Rugs is a Houston, Texas showroom renown for their selection of Antique and Contemporary Carpets, and their ability to source and/or design the perfect rug. Paired with the best makers of the day, their staff’s strong textile, weaving, art and carpet industry background has been the foundation of their success for over thirty years. www.carolpiperrugs.com

Red Spruce. Makers of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handmade in Canada of the finest materials.  Available ready-made or made-to-order. Commissions of original work and exemplary pieces are also accepted. www.redspruce.ca

For further INFORMATION, IMAGES, or to arrange an INTERVIEW, contact:
Michael Christie at 01 902 482 0460 or homeoffice@redspruce.ca or
Ryan Reitmeyer at 01 713 524 2442 or info@carolpiperrugs.com

Red Spruce was featured in the January 5, 2010 issue of Halifax local gossip/satirical magazine Atlantic Frank. For those not familiar with the publication, it tends to chronicle the goings on of those rich, famous, infamous or Halifamous enough to attract readers and buyers to such a magazine. We were so honoured due to the purchase of "flock" by Mr. John Risley. Another article, similar in content, was featured the previous day on allnovascotia.com. While rumors of a forthcoming event in New York City could not be confirmed at the time, an announcement is now imminent.

It looks as though we are arriving, as it were.

"Flock" designed by Anna Stowe for Red Spruce is currently featured in the "Design File" section of the November/December Issue of Azure. The reference can be found on page seventy-four (74) and was written by Paige Magarrey. Our whimsical interpretation of a gathering of birds is featured along side other rugs and carpets of modern styling, including those from other well known companies such as Rug Star, Amy Helfand, W Studio, Nought Studio, Angela Adams, Emma Gardner, The Rug Company, Bev Hisey and Nanimarquina. Azure is available on newsstands.

"Flock" designed by Anna Stowe for Red Spruce is featured in the Market Place Product Selector section of the Autumn 2009 Issue of Hali's Modern Carpet and Textiles. Our whimsical interpretation of a gathering of birds is featured along side other "Bird" themed rugs and carpets from other well known companies such as Rug Star, Odegard and ABC Carpet and Home. Modern Carpet and Textiles is available on newsstands.

For Immediate Release

Halifax, NS – The idea is simple. Bring the best of modern design together with time honoured rug making techniques to create beautiful artist designed and attributed carpets that will endure. Both New MoonTM and Red Spruce embody this concept and as such are pleased to jointly announce an agreement that will see selected New Moon Designs by John Kurtz, interpreted by and made into Red Spruce’s signature handwork style.

The limited edition commissions of these designs will be debuted at the previously announced exhibit of the Red Spruce portfolio at New Moon’s showroom in Wilmington, Delaware on Friday, November 6, 2009.

This Event will mark the inaugural showing of Red Spruce’s portfolio in the United States’, and will feature twenty-two (22) original designs first shown in July of this year, six (6) new designs being debuted during the soiree, two (2) of Mr. Kurtz’ work, and an derivative design based on “Leafstar”, one of New Moon’s earlier works. The exhibit also coincides with Wilmington’s monthly “Art on the Town”, taking place the same evening.

While fans of New Moon will most certainly recognize the distinct hand of John Kurtz in the designs, the recolouration and interpretation of the designs by Red Spruce brings a renewed and fresh perspective on the classic designs. “This is a great collaboration for both of us.” says Michael Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce, “Working with JD (John Kurtz) - who is amongst a small handful of my personal roll models – allows us to bring historically significant design inspiration into our portfolio. It’s perfect match both aesthetically and philosophically for us.”

New Moon™ is dedicated to making the finest rugs in the world and the positive social and environmental framework that can make a difference, refusing to compromise quality. Designed by John Kurtz, an artist and renowned rug historian, each New Moon Rug reflects his passion for beautiful things and the way in which beautiful things are made. www.newmoonrugs.com

Red Spruce. Makers of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handmade in Canada of the finest materials.  Available ready-made or made-to-order. Commissions of exemplary pieces are also accepted. www.redspruce.ca

Join us!

You are cordially invited to join New Moon as they welcome and introduce Red Spruce - Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia, to the United States during a special soiree taking place during Wilmington's monthly "Art on the Town". The evening will feature the designs and craftsmanship of Red Spruce, while Michael Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce, will be on hand to talk about what inspires him and the other personalities who bring their unique and inimitable carpets into being.

New Moon Annex
Wilmington, Delaware

Friday, November 6, 2009
6:00 in the evening onward

For Immediate Release

Halifax, NS – Red Spruce, the maker of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia, is pleased to announce that New Moon Rugs, of Wilmington, Delaware will be hosting an exhibit of its carpets on Friday, November 6, 2009. This Event marks the inaugural showing of Red Spruce’s portfolio in the United States’, and will feature twenty-two (22) original designs first shown in July of this year, as well as six (6) new designs being debuted during the soiree, which coincides with Wilmington’s monthly “Art on the Town”, taking place the same evening.

The Portfolio features carpets designed and attributed to local, Canadian, and international artists and designers, featuring the work of Anna Stowe, Kimberly Vallis, Andrew Quon, Brandt Eisner, Nick Brunt, Michael A.C. Christie, Robin Gray, Keith Bentley, and Jared Betts amongst others.

Each piece is a fully attributed work of art reflecting the craftsmanship required, with each hand involved, be it of the artist/designer, the grapher, the dyemaster, or most importantly the rug hooker, contributing to the aesthetic beauty of the finished carpet. And while the unique and modern designs of Red Spruce are not ordinarily seen in hooked rugs, it is just this juxtaposition of the new with the time honoured, that creates carpets and rugs of inimitable character.

“We’re very excited to be hosting this event and to be representing the Red Spruce Portfolio in our showroom.” says Ned Baker, Director of Sales at New Moon Rugs, “Michael (Christie, Creative Director of Red Spruce) has been a friend of New Moon for several years. We couldn’t be happier to see this truly unique product come into being. This exhibit is going to be a real eye-opener.”

New Moon™ is dedicated to making the finest rugs in the world and the positive social and environmental framework that can make a difference, refusing to compromise quality. Designed by John Kurtz, an artist and renowned rug historian, each New Moon Rug reflects his passion for beautiful things and the way in which beautiful things are made. www.newmoonrugs.com

Red Spruce. Makers of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handmade in Canada of the finest materials.  Available ready-made or made-to-order. Commissions of exemplary pieces are also accepted. www.redspruce.ca

For Immediate Release

Halifax, NS – Contemporary and Modern design comes to authentic hand-hooked rugs. Red Spruce is pleased to announce that artist Anna Stowe will be designing a series of carpets and rugs for the Halifax based company. She joins Andrew Quon of Neeto Design, Artist Jared Betts of NSCAD, Robin Gray of Robin Gray Design, Artist Brandt Eisner, and Photographer Kimberly Vallis amongst others, whose designs are already in Red Spruce’s Collection.

The Collection will be shown in its entirety at the previously announced début of Red Spruce on June 19, 2009 during a private gala at Argyle Fine Art in the Historic Properties in Downtown Halifax.

“I first heard of Red Spruce through (fellow designer) Brandt (Eisner), and was immediately drawn to the concept. The graphic nature of my work translates well in the technique, and seeing my designs come to life in a local craft is really exciting.” says Anna Stowe about her involvement with Red Spruce.

Red Spruce’s artist and designer attributed collection features a breadth of styles that illustrate the creative and technical abilities of Nova Scotia Hooked Rugs and the artisan Hookers who make them. By combining the local craft with his passion for handmade rugs, local entrepreneur and self-described ruggist Michael Christie - Owner of Red Spruce – is creating rugs and carpets of unique and extraordinary beauty with inimitable character.

artist / designer / illustrator, Anna Stowe, works from her home studio in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Between client work, commissions and running her own business, she is currently exploring printmaking and children's illustration. A portfolio of her work can be found online at www.STOdesigns.com.

Red Spruce. Ruggists. Makers of Handwork Rugs and Carpets from Nova Scotia. Designed by Local, Canadian, and American artists and designers, handmade in Canada, made without Child Labour, available ready-made or made-to-order. Commissions of exemplary pieces are also accepted. To become involved as an artist/designer, rug hooker, or otherwise, or to receive an invitation to the premier please contact the Home Office of Red Spruce.