The project began with the curation of a select group of contemporary artists whose work would resonate within the spaces of the Obama Presidential Center. Four artists were chosen:

• Nancy Lorenz
• William Cordova
• Deidrick Brackens
• McArthur Binion

Working closely with each artist, Elson & Company translated original artworks into five bespoke rugs, carefully adapting composition, scale, and color to suit both the medium and the surrounding interiors and details selected.

Each design was thoughtfully refined to complement the broader design scheme, integrating seamlessly with architectural elements, textiles, and materials selected throughout the space by Michael Smith.

Transforming fine art into a hand-knotted rug is a complex process. Over the course of eighteen months, Elson & Company developed and tested numerous color palettes and intricate weaving techniques to faithfully capture the depth, movement, and nuance of each original piece.

Countless custom samples were produced in partnership with our mill, ensuring that every detail—from tonal variation to texture—met the exacting standards of both the artists and the project’s vision.

Once final designs were approved, each rug was placed into production using traditional Tibetan hand-knotting techniques.

The resulting collection includes five distinct works, each designed for a specific space within the Obama Presidential Center:

• William Cordova – Our Story
• Nancy Lorenz – Garden Lobby
• Diedrick Brackens – President’s Reading Room

Each rug serves as both a functional design and a standalone work of art, enriching the environment with added texture. It has been an honor to bring this meaningful collection to life. We hope you will see this work in person one day as well.

We will be sharing two additional rugs at a later date, Pre-Function, designed by Diedrick Brackens and the Seminar Room, designed by artist, McArthur Binion. Both rugs were made for private spaces.