Merida and AFH Kick-off Rug Design Contest to Support Sustainability

“What does sustainability mean to you?”

AFH youth artists are being challenged to ponder that question and be inspired to create a design that could be turned into a high quality, beautifully crafted rug. Merida - a Boston designer of sustainable natural fiber textiles has partnered up with Artists for Humanity to sponsor an 8-week contest in hopes of inspiring creativity in sustainable textiles and encouraging exploration of the importance of sustainability.

AFH artists who enter the Merida contest will submit three final designs and inspiration boards based on what sustainability means to them to Merida in early November. A panel of judges including interior, graphic, and product designers will then choose the top three designs.

Each of the three winners will receive a Merida crafted rug in their own winning design, made of 100% New Zealand wool from Merida’s Fall River weaving facility. In addition, their designs will be showcased at AFH’s annual December open house and will be sold through Merida starting in early 2010.

Everyone at AFH is thrilled about this partnership. Merida is giving AFH youth artists a voice, a vision and celebrating their virtuosity. Stay tuned to see how AFH youth artists respond to the Merida challenge!