About Us

Norma Ferguson Silverstein

Norma Ferguson Silverstein is an OHCG certified rug hooking teacher, with over 20 years of experience. A graduate of McGill University, with a B.Sc., Norma worked in medical research before staying at home to raise her children. She has taught at the Nova Scotia Rug Hooking School, Ragg Tyme School and in other workshop venues in both Canada and the U.S. Her hooked pictorial, Spencer Home 1880, was awarded finalist status in the 1993 Celebrations. Norma attributes her love of rug hooking to the inspiration of her grandmother, Edith Spencer Ferguson, who was her first teacher.

Mira River Rug Hooking School 

Mira River Rug Hooking School began operating in the fall of 1997, shortly after Bob and Norma Silverstein acquired their Mira property, located on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island. A fully equipped, winterized cottage houses the school and serves as Norma's studio. It offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Mira River, has a rustic field-stone fireplace, and sits on ten acres of land. Guests enjoy woodland paths, canoeing, lighted tennis court, campfire, and optional local activities.