Minasian Rug Company: Carney and Armen Minasian

Stunning, one-of-a-kind rugs make the Old Town School of Folk Music’s classrooms appealing and intimate. Most of these rugs were donated by the Minasian Rug Company, which has a long history of working with the School. Owners Carney and Armen Minasian got involved in 1997 when the Old Town School acquired the Hild Library space in Lincoln Square. Their first donation to the School provided approximately 45 rugs worth $50,000 for the new space, and now Minasian rugs can be found at all three locations. Carney and Armen fondly remember seeing Joni Mitchell and Peter Yarrow perform on one of the very rugs they donated during the building’s dedication on September 18, 1998.

Over the years, Minasian Rug Company, through their vast customer base, has helped to facilitate the donation of many rugs to the School. Most recently, the Minasian brothers helped the School receive a sizable donation of one-of-a-kind Persian rugs from a loyal customer.

Beyond the generosity they have shown to the Old Town School, the Minasian brothers are great lovers of music. Carney himself plays the tenor saxophone, piano, flute, and harmonica and his daughter was a long-time Old Town School guitar student during her teen years. The Minasian brothers continue to support the School because of the immense role it plays in the community and see its future continuing to expand and affect more kids, families, and music lovers both locally and beyond.

Old Town School of Folk Music is delighted to have the support of the Minasian Rug Company as well as Carney and Armen for 20 years. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more decades.