A Rug Weaver’s Tale is a hands-on learning program
based on the art and culture of the oriental rug. Over one hundred schools
and organizations have participated, since Melissa Gregorian, third-generation
rug expert and professional educator, first presented her unique program
in 1995.
A Rug Weaver's Tale has been created for Kindergarten through Third-Grade children. The program offers interdisciplinary learning to augment your curriculum. It helps foster understanding of the world's cultures, customs and traditions, while it develops an appreciation for an ancient craft that continues to flourish to this day.
Multicultural Values
A Rug Weaver's Tale fosters multicultural understanding and builds
awareness of how rural families work together to create hand-crafted artisitc
objects; from raising sheep, to growing roots and vegetables for dyes,
to weaving the actual rug.
Builds Skills
Children learn complex skills including math, science, geography, language
and pattern recognition and can be tailored to current curriculum units.
Lively and Interactive
Badriah and Ali, a fictional brother and sister living in a Middle Eastern
village, guide the students through the rug-making process. Through the
eyes of these characters, students learn how culture influences art, craft
and aesthetic values.
When and Where
Melissa Gregorian presents A Rug Weaver's Tale at your school or
organization, or at Arthur T. Gregorian, Inc. Oriental Rugs in Newton
Lower Falls. The program runs for two 45-minute sessions on consecutive
days. Single sessions are also available. A modest fee covers materials
and transportation. Programs for older students and field trips to Arthur
T. Gregorian Oriental Rugs in Newton Lower Falls are available.
A Rug Weaver's Tale has been taught in over one hundred Massachusetts public and private schools and to children attending events at college and university art galleries. Among them are schools in Watertown, Newton, Brookline, Waltham, Quincy, Shrewsbury, Rockland and Dorchester. Museums and art galleries include The Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham, The Concord Museum and Keene State College in New Hampshire.
For More Information or To Register
Contact Melissa Gregorian, education and outreach director, by telephone:
(617) 244-2553 or
e-mail: mgregorian@atgregorian.com or
print out and fax the following form:
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Melissa Gregorian, who created A Rug Weaver’s Tale was inspired by the stories her grandfather, Arthur T. Gregorian, told of his childhood in the Middle East and his journey to America as an eight-year-old boy caught in the throes of World War I.
Arthur emigrated from his native Iran (formerly Persia) and founded the company that bears his name in Newton Lower Falls in 1934. Through educational programs, exhibits and community outreach, Arthur T. Gregorian, Inc. Oriental Rugs preserves the philosophy of its founder, "to learn is to live".
As part of that philosophy Melissa created A Rug Weaver's Tale in 1995 and presents the program throughout Greater Boston to schools, youth groups, such as the Brownies, and at art institutions, such as the Concord Museum and the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham.
Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College in 1994 and is certified in grades Kindergarten through Third.