Presenting our 2026 Rug Hooking Artists of the Year

Our First 2026 Canadian Artist of the Year

Doris Norman

 Doris NormanDoris Norman is a highly respected and accredited teacher with the Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia and the National Guild of Pearl K. McGown. Known for her artistry and versatility, she specializes in William Morris design, Celtic art, Jacobean/crewel, Monochromatic work, stained glass, landscapes and realistic shading. Doris’s work has been featured in Created Here, Canadian Living, Rug Hooking Magazine, Hook Me a Story, Story Rugs and the Garrett Bluenose Patterns. Her work is also treasured in private collections across Canada.

Doris began her rug hooking journey in 1980, inspired by cherished memories of her grandmother’s mats. Since becoming a teacher in 1982, she has generously shared her passion; encouraging students to relax, enjoy the creative process and create heirlooms to be passed down through generations. Doris has taught across Canada and the United States inspiring countless students along the way.

Deeply committed to preserving the rich history of rug hooking, Doris is a founding member of the New Brunswick Mat Registry; ensuring the stories behind these treasured works are remembered. She also helped establish The Heritage Rug Hooking Guild of New Brunswick and the Evening Matters Guild of Fredericton and remains an active member of several guilds including TIGHR.

2026 Canadian Artist of the Year

Linda Marchbank

Linda Marchbanck

Linda Marchbank is a retired teacher, former school administrator and adult educator who discovered her passion for rug hooking in 2005. She is a member of the Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia; Island Matters Rug Hooking Group and the Lady Slipper Rug Hooking Guild of Prince Edward Island. A mother of four and proud Grammie to nine grandchildren. Linda lives in Travellers Rest with her canine companions.

A McGown certified teacher, Linda has spent over 20 years sharing her expertise through private classes, workshops, rug schools and programs at the University of Prince Edward Island Seniors College.

Linda’s work has earned wide recognition, including competition awards, People’s Choice honours and McGown workshop distinctions. She is the recipient of the PEI Premier’s Craft Award as well as two heritage awards recognizing her dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional craft of rug hooking and her cultural contributions through the Van Gogh in Wool exhibit.

Linda has also played a key role in organizing and presenting numerous summer exhibitions in collaboration with the Lefurgey Cultural Centre and Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside. These popular shows; including This is My Island, Art Begets Art, Van Gogh in Wool, Elaine Harrison: From Paint to Wool, As the Crow Flies and Hooked on Maurice have showcased artists from across Prince Edward Island and helped bring rug hooking to a wider audience.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants.”