Jo Ann Hendrix: Class of 2019

(Editor's Note: After a six-year battle with pulmonary arterial hypertension, Jo Ann passed away on July 12, 2019. She loved making rugs and was very talented at doing so. The biography information below is taken from her Celebration 29 winner survey.)

Name: Jo Ann Hendrix

Location: Pasadena, Maryland

How did you get started in rug hooking?
In 1980, I saw my first hooked rug in a gallery in Frog Hollow, Vermont. I purchased the rug by Suzanne Shelly and vowed that someday I would hook my own rug. In 1996, I registered for a hooking class with Roslyn Logsdon. Since then I have been attending workshops and learning from the many talented teachers in this art form.

Why do you enjoy rug hooking?
Rug hooking is creative, challenging, magical, and relaxing, all wrapped up in one art medium. I enjoy the entire process from selecting a pattern, designing, color planning and then the actual pulling of the loops. With the completed piece, one is rewarded with the sense of accomplishment and a beautifully hooked piece of art. But the greatest pleasure comes from forming wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime.

Are you involved in any other artistic media (especially fiber arts)?
Currently I am only involved with rug hooking, but in the past, I tailored my own wardrobe, including my wedding dress.

Do you dye your own wool?
Over the years I have dyed some wool, but I prefer to select beautifully dyed wool from the experts. Finding the perfect color is a real treat.

Do you belong to any rug hooking organizations?
I am presently the secretary for Anne Arundel Rug Hookers and a member of the Mason-Dixon ATHA chapter.

Has your work won any awards?
My rugs have won top awards at the Maryland State Fair, have appeared in Celebration four other times and have been featured in Pictorial Hooked Rugs and Rugs in Bloom by Jane Halliwell Green. Rug Hooking Magazine and Rugs by the Sea rug camp have used my rugs in their advertisements.

What is your profession?
I am retired, but I was a Home Economics teacher and lastly worked as a configuration manager for a defense contractor.

Any other comments about you or your rug?
I have noticed that most rugs I have hooked have animals in the design.