SCAD Names Rug Design Finalists

July 26, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Rugs on July 27, 2011

Finalists have been named for the First Annual Savannah College of Art and Design rug design contest.

Following the May submissions, five finalists were selected, and their designs submitted for conversion to rug 2-by-3-foot strikeoffs, currently in progress. Contestants were offered a variety of fiber options including wool, silk, viscose and hemp in any combination.  Knot counts from 60-100 were accepted.

The competition was conceived and implemented jointly by Tamarian Carpets and KPM Flooring. Tamarian is a Nepal-based custom rug producer specializing in unique and "to order" designs utilizing traditional fibers and processes synonymous with fine Nepalese carpets. KPM Flooring is a Hilton Head, S.C.-based floor coverings vendor specializing in high design, custom rugs, and is a distributor for Tamarian. The firms have partnered previously on a number of original designs.

Upon receipt in early September, the strikeoffs will go on series of two-week exhibits for public viewing and voting to determine the ultimate winner. The fist showing is at at 24e, a boutique interiors and design firm in Savannah, Ga.  Next, the exhibit will shift to KPM in Hilton Head. The final stop will be at the Tamarian showroom in the Suites at Market Square at the October High Point Furniture Market for additional review and balloting by rug retailers and interior designers.

In November, the winning design will go into production of both  4-by-6-foot and 8-by-10-foot versions. The winner will be announced Spring of 2012 and will receive a $500 prize as well as the smaller production rug. Plans call for possible inclusion of the winning design in Tamarian's line.