From the community
Rug culture, up close.
Workshops, trunk shows, cleaning clinics, and the monthly Simonian Rug Society. Join us in person and online, all year long.
Bring in any rug you've been wondering about — origin, age, fiber type, dye type, construction. Austin and the team will walk you through a full identification at no charge. Great for estate finds, inherited pieces, or anything you picked up and want to understand better. Rugs of all sizes welcome — we'll help you carry them in.
Walk in any time →Our very first Rug Society gathering. Melina Finkelstein tells the story of Peace Industry, her fair trade felt rug company, and the making of a brand new Bay Area felt rug collection, from raw wool to finished felt. Seats are limited to 50, given first to members through the RSVP.
Join to RSVP →Into the bright, brilliant world of Mexican textiles. The weaves, the natural dyes, and the design features that make these flatweaves unmistakable.
Join to RSVP →We travel to Konya, the heart of Turkish weaving, and trace how these rugs get their unmistakable look, from wool and knot to color and motif.
Join to RSVP →The Rug Society meets the third Saturday of every month. Become a member once, and you will hear about each new event first.
About the Society →An event archive will live here as we host workshops, clinics, and trunk shows. We've been in San Mateo since 1956 — we just haven't been keeping the digital scrapbook until now.
We're especially interested in connecting with textile artists, interior designers, antique dealers, estate sale companies, and cultural organizations. If you're not sure whether your event fits, just send it — we'll take a look.
In the meantime, reach out and tell us what you'd like to host. We're especially interested in connecting with local artists, designers, and cultural organizations.
Get in touch →We're setting up a way to send you a once-a-month note when there's a workshop, trunk show, or clinic on the calendar. Until then, follow along on Instagram or send us a note and we'll add you when it's ready.
Stay in touch →