Rug Designer Robin Gray Opens New Santa Fe Showroom

Furniture World Magazine

Rugmark announced that on the heels of its new showroom opening, Robin Gray Design has joined the 60-plus companies partnering with RugMark to put an end to child labor in the handmade rug industry. RugMark operates an independent inspection and monitoring program that ensures that its certified rugs are manufactured without child labor and provides educational opportunities for children in India and Nepal. The Santa Fe-based company will celebrate the grand opening of its new Carpet and Rug Studio by hosting a series of events April 27 - May 1, 2009. By bringing a new retail showroom, office space, and design studio under one roof, clients are treated to the full experience of Gray’s “rugs less ordinary.” “Robin’s gorgeous RugMark certified rugs remind us that the beauty of a carpet is inextricably linked to the people who made it,” says Nina Smith, RugMark USA’s Executive Director, who will speak at the weeks’ closing event May 1. “Thanks to the commitment of businesspeople like Robin, children in South Asia are going to school instead of laboring on the looms.” Throughout the week, the Studio will also host Faces of Freedom, a touring exhibit by photographer U. Roberto Romano, whose captivating images are a testament to the lives changed by RugMark. Gray’s rugs allude to traditional designs but are made contemporary and unique through the use of fresh colors, dimensional textures and striking patterns. Her designs reflect her attraction to the muted hues of natural vegetable dyes and the vivid palettes of Mexico, India and the Middle East. “My aim,” says Robin Gray, “is to preserve the cultural heritage and help sustain the livelihoods of my artisan partners. Dealer locations and more information are available at (505) 995-8411 or visit robingraydesign.com. About RugMark: RugMark is an international nonprofit organization working to end exploitative child labor in the carpet industry and give educational opportunities to children in South Asia. The RugMark label offers the best assurance that no illegal child labor was used in the manufacture of a carpet or rug. For a complete list of importers and retailers that sell RugMark certified rugs, is available at www.RugMark.org.