A new exhibit titled “Rags, Rugs and Weavers: A Living Tradition” will be featured at Northern Michigan University’s Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center Feb. 6 through March 23.

The touring display from the Michigan State University Museum visually shows the work of eight accomplished rag rug weavers. It includes rugs, descriptive panels, sample materials, tools and photographs to demonstrate the art of weaving and the cultural history behind it.

Many U.P. Finnish-Americans continue the tradition of weaving used clothing and other discarded textiles into colorful rugs. Rag weaving is a shared cultural activity, with the work of three or four individuals often represented in one rug. Materials donated by one may be cut and sewn by another, then woven by another member to create a finished project. Many learn the art of weaving from relatives or neighbors.

“Rags, Rugs and Weavers: A Living Tradition” is being held in conjunction with the Upper Peninsula Folklife Festival March 12-22 at NMU.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call 227-1219.