Meet the Artists
Last year, in 2023, a lovely couple walked into our store, inquiring about wall rugs for a social project in the Netherlands. We immediately liked Saskia Janssen and George Korsmit and were intrigued to learn more. It turned out that Saskia and George are not only inspiring artists, but that they are also passionate about working on creative social projects that help make a difference, such as the Rainbow Soulclub in Amsterdam. This inspiring project is a collaboration between Saskia, George, The Rainbow Foundation (De Regenboog Groep), artists, and art students. Together, they provide a creative, safe and inspiring space for homeless people and those dealing with addiction.

Art Project at De Hunnerberg
Another inspiring creative project by Saskia Janssen and George Korsmit took place at De Hunnerberg, a youth detention center in the Netherlands. In 2023, they were commissioned by the Atelier Rijksbouwmeester (Chief Government Architect) to create two large art pieces: one for the visitors’ area and another for the long hallway within De Hunnerberg. The goal was to bring more colour and warmth to the detention center, and the artwork was to be created together with the youth at De Hunnerberg, making it personal and inspiring.

Bringing Warmth to the Detention Center
Saskia Janssen and George Korsmit began by holding art and writing workshops at the youth detention center. From the results, they decided to create woolen wall rugs. This approach will not only add colour and warmth but it will also improve the acoustics and make the environment feel more welcoming. Throughout the project, they worked closely with the Rijksbouwmeester’s art advisor, Gijs Frieling. Once completed, the rugs are intended to bring more joy and hope to the young people, encouraging them to look forward to a brighter future outside the center, while also making the space more comfortable.

The Making Of
After meeting Driss of The Weavery in Amsterdam, Saskia Janssen and George Korsmit also traveled to Driss’ hometown in Morocco to meet the team of weavers who would create the rugs. They immediately fell in love with the group of women and the beautiful setting. Throughout the weaving process, the artist couple made several trips to Morocco to oversee and guide the project. These visits helped build trust and inspire the weavers. We’re so proud of Halima and our skilled weaving team in Driss’ home region at the foot of the Atlas Mountains for their craftmanship and artistry. Despite the challenge of making the design come to life and weaving text they couldn’t read, they’ve embraced this project with enthusiasm, and we all love being part of something so meaningful.

A Splash of Color
We can’t wait to share photos of the finished wall rugs at De Hunnerberg, which should be ready by the end of 2024! We’re already so excited to see the final results!

Thank you for trusting us.
A big thank you to Saskia Janssen and George Kortsmit for trusting us and our wonderful team in Morocco. You’re not only incredibly inspiring but have such big hearts! Thanks also to Gijs Frieling, the art advisor of Atelier Rijksbouwmeester, for his support throughout this project, and – of course - to the talented young artists of De Hunnerberg, who brought their creativity to the table. Finally, thank you to everyone at De Hunnerberg for doing their best to support the young people during this challenging time and for helping to bring more warmth and joy with this beautiful artwork!