Internationally recognized authority on rug-hooking Mary Sheppard Burton will attend the opening of an exhibition of 20 of her works, titled "The Art of Textiles," Friday at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Altoona. The Germantown, Md., artist will also speak during a luncheon program March 14 at the museum.

Burton, whose grandmother and great-grandmother were also rug hookers, hand-dyes all of her yarns. She's conducted workshops throughout North America and has written three books on the subject, including the 2003 "A Passion for the Creative Life: Textiles to Lift the Spirit." Her earlier books, "Judging by Merit" and "Educational Standards," are used by home economists as guides when judging county and state fair rug-hooking competitions.

Admission to the reception or luncheon is $12 (members $10) and reservations are required at 1-814-946-4464. The exhibition continues through May 25 in the Brett Building, 1210 11th Ave., Altoona. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. Admission is free; www.sama-art.org.