Artwork donated to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Date: November 21, 2006
Contact: Adam Prato, [phone]

Karen Page Crislip of Estes Park, Colorado donated a hand-woven tapestry depicting the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage to the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Ms. Crislip was the 2006 Artist-in-Residence this September at the site. To complete their residencies, each artist must contribute an original piece of work created during his or her tenure.

The framed 9.5-inch by 7.5-inch tapestry, titled “Cottage in Winter” interprets the historic Hoover birthplace as it might have looked on a winter evening when the Hoovers lived there. Young Herbert Hoover was born in the small, two-room cottage and lived there with his parents, his brother, and his sister from 1874 through 1879.

“By blending the brown and gray yarns, I hope I have suggested the unpainted exterior of the home at that time,” said Ms. Crislip. “The warmth of the candlelight through the windows and the suggestion of a fire in the fireplace equate to what I understand was a warm, loving, and very happy early childhood for Herbert Hoover in that house.”

“Cottage in Winter” is on display in the National Historic Site Visitor Center along with works by other former Artists-in-Residence.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are off I-80 at exit 254 in West Branch, Iowa. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.