TUSCUMBIA-Anne Norvell, owner of Counting Sheep Rug Hooking Shop in Florence will teach a 2-hour beginners rug hooking workshop on Saturday, February 23, at 10:00 a.m. at Belle Monte Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, AL. Cost is $80, which covers a museum tour and all the supplies needed, including a hooking tool, wool, pattern and hoop frame, to create a small mat featuring Spring Bunnies. The finished artwork will be suitable as an Easter table mat, wall hanging, pillow, or it may be framed. Advance payment is required to secure your place in the class. Mail check payable to Belle Mont, C/o Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation, P.O. Box 406, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. Deadline to register is February 15. For more information, call 256-381-5052 or 256-764-0392. Norvell, a native of Rome, GA, moved to Florence with her husband and two sons in 1995. She has been rug hooking for twelve years and opened her shop in her home eight years ago. In the beginning she was self-taught but since then she has taken several classes to expand her knowledge in the art of rug hooking and is now one of the most respected artisans among crafters in the Southeast. She says that learning this art has greatly enriched her life, and teaching 
allows her to share her passion with others in the community. She regularly conducts classes in her home/shop, but graciously agreed to conduct this season’s special session at historic Belle Mont Mansion. Following the rug-hooking class, at 12:30 p.m., on Saturday, February 23, Norvell will present a program on the history and art of rug hooking. She will showcase several examples of her work, featuring her original designs, many based on early American motifs. There is no charge to attend this presentation, above the cost of admission to the museum. Adults $6, Seniors, Military and College Students $5, Children (6-18 years) $3. The public is invited and participation in the workshop is not required.Belle Mont, built in 1828, is owned by the Alabama Historical Commission and is one of the State’s most distinguished Federal period homes. Currently the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation operates Belle Mont and is offering this and other special programming to increase awareness of the museum and to raise funds to maintain and promote the mansion. Belle Mont is open Wednesdays—Saturdays, 10 am — 4 p.m. For information about Belle Mont or to schedule a group tour, call the museum at 256-381-5052. www.preserveala.org/BelleMont. or www.bellemontmansion.org
