The Spirit of the Rag and The Corn – Jenny Steele

The Spirit of the Rag and The Corn invites visitors to explore and share feedback on a proposal for a large-scale community artwork that may be installed at Rural Arts in the future. This exhibition, hosted in the Rural Arts Café, features hand-rendered and digital drawings, textile rag rug and straw samples, as well as research materials and plans developed by artist Jenny Steele in collaboration with the Rural Arts community. 

The exhibition marks the culmination of Jenny’s research residency with Rural Arts, which began in September 2024. During her time in residence, Jenny explored the heritage of traditional crafts in Yorkshire—focusing on rag rugging and corn dolly making. 

Combining archival research, community engagement, and locally sourced craft examples, Jenny has developed a proposal for an uplifting, inclusive artwork that honors these historic practices. The proposed piece will offer opportunities for the public to participate in its creation, rediscover the craft of ‘clippy’ or ‘peg’ rugs, and learn the endangered skills of corn dolly making. 

Join us to view the proposal, share your thoughts, and become part of this evolving creative journey. 

Or if you would prefer, Click here and complete our three question survey to find out your thoughts.