Lake County Quilt Trail announces raffle winner

From the Lake County News
Written by Vicky Parish Smith

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Mary Secord, a longtime resident of Lakeport, won the Lake County Quilt Trail raffle.

The prize was a hand-crafted cloth quilt comprised of 13 different quilt blocks.

“I’m so pleased to be the winner of the beautiful quilt,” Secord said. “I enjoy seeing each quilt block on buildings all around the county. Each has such a good meaning.”

The quilt was designed and machine quilted by Kerrie Hershey. Quilters Nancy Carpenter, Bethany Rose, Kerrie Hershey and Patti-Cox Frankenfield hand-pieced the cloth blocks.

The quilt block names are (in order of installation) Square in a Square, Martha’s Vineyard, Big Oak Ranch Blazing Star (a variation), Peace and Plenty, Lady of the Lake, 54 40 or Fight, Rising Star, Monkey Wrench, Bear’s Paw, County Fair, Tulip Time, Ohio Star and Squash Blossom.

Lake County is the first location in California to create a quilt trail.

This past spring, with seed money from the Kelseyville Pear Festival, vibrantly colored quilt blocks inaugurated the first phase of the project.

Each block, specifically designed and painted entirely by volunteers onto 8-foot by 8-foot wooden panels, was hung on pioneer barns, pear packing sheds, winery tasting rooms, an orchard ladder manufacturing facility and even an exhibit hall on the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Each unique quilt block on the Lake County Quilt Trail was selected to connect with the history of the building, honor farming, or celebrate the family, as well as pay tribute to the generational history of beautiful quilts.

Phase two of this project is currently in production. By September 2011, another 12 quilt blocks will be added to the Lake County Quilt Trail.

Information about the Lake County Quilt Trail can be found at http://www.kelseyvillepearfestival.com/.

Terry Mayer took this photograph for CSI Media, and it was published by the Walworth County Today. Cleanup begins November 23 on a home damaged by a rare November tornado the day before on Lakeview Road in Lynn Township. The Spinning Spools Barn Quilt appears to have survived.

gREAT sTATE OF kENTUCKY

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The University of Kentucky - College of Agriculture - School of Human and Environmental Sciences - Family and Consumer Sciences has a link for their services and projects in each county. Now under the County of Allen, in the great state of Kentucky, is a link to the Allen County Quilt Tail Brochure and Application. I had not listed Allen County in my sidebar, but I will correct that omission immediately.

I have not yet mentioned the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association. The (KEHA) is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service and education. They have developed some wonderful Kentucky Quilt Trail Materials that will be of interest and / or help to any Quilt Trail Organization, or individuals interested in learning more about or starting a group or Quilt Trail in their area.

Leafelt

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Facilitaters Guide

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Appendices

Power Point

Extra Quit Trail Pictures Power Point

Newbie...

There is a new Barn Quilt Trail in a neighboring county. This morning is the first that I have heard of this effort. I will be glad to provide more information as it becomes available, or you can contact: the Taproot Artisans of Iredell County, NC. The Statesville Record and Landmark has published the story this morning.

a choice for some...

I have heard of several Barn Quilt committees getting a special deal from a local hardware or paint supplier, and often soliciting help mounting large panels from the power company's (or other’s) cherry picker. This is good for the committee, and I do believe that this is a good public relations for everyone involved. Now I see a national sign board company taking notice of the Barn Quilt Arts Movement.

This is not an attempt by me to promote any product, but for those that feel the more traditional plywood panel is too cumbersome or heavy, Dibond® graphic display board by 3A Composites USA could be an alternative. The Barn Quilt story is published on-line at signshop.com and also wide-formatimaging.com. It should be sufficient for me to say that I enjoy the more traditional approach, and with as much community involvement as you can muster. If it is your barn, and you have scaffolding, and are not fearful of heights, and have a way of keeping lines straight, then painting on the actual barn siding can be very effective... but definitely not for amateurs.

gathering

The Quilt Trail Gathering
May 13-14, 2011

" The Quilt Trail Gathering, May 13-14, 2011" is the only info available on the new (still under construction) website: www.quilttrailgathering.com

... as reported on October 5th, in the Georgetown, Ohio, newsdemocrat.com:

In addition to all the promotions planned for the remainder of 2010 and through 2011, Brown County Tourism is working with an Adams County family to stage an event that could potentially draw thousands to the area next spring. On May 13-14, 2011, The Brown County Department of Travel and Tourism will co-host "The Quilt Trail Gathering," organized to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the beginning of the Quilt Barn Trail.

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The event will be co-hosted by Donna Sue Groves, an Adams County resident who started the quilt barn project in 2001 as a way to honor the memory of her mother. Brown County was the second to join the trail, and when it began no one could have anticipated how much interest in Quilt Barns would have grown. Over the decade Quilt Barns have generated interest across the nation, with quilt patterns now on hundreds of barns in dozens of states.

Ky, Boone County

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A grand thanks to Joyce Foley, Chair of the Boone County (Kentucky) Barn Quilt Trail. They boast almost 50 "boards" so far, and are now listed on the sidebar of Barn Quilt Memories as http://boonebarnquilts.com/

... from the past few weeks

I have been busy with a new job for the past few weeks, and I have not been able to read many of the e-mail notices from the world of Barn Quilts. I will attempt to catch up this afternoon.

There are over a dozen Barn Quilts in Lake County, California. Go to: www.kelseyvillepearfestival.com, and click on the “Quilt Trail.” The Lake County News is doing a great job of documenting these additions.

A guided bus tour of all 54 of the barns on the Clinton County (Ohio) Barn Quilt Trail is planned for Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. until approximately 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided along with information about project history, farm stories and more. For more information and to register contact Carol at The Cotton Junky Quilt Shop 366-3602.

2010 Plymouth County (Iowa) Fair Queen Kristen Ahlers gets help from fair board members including Brent McNaughton as well as other royalty members (hidden) in displaying the "Barn Quilts of Plymouth County" quilt at the fair auction Sunday in Pioneer Village. The 42 squares represent barn quilts and welcome quilts in Plymouth County. The quilt sold for $10,000. The LeMars Daily Sentinel has a photograph of this amazing Quilt, or see this at: The Sioux City Journal at: ( Photo 1 ) or ( Photo 2 )

I suggest keeping up with Suzi Parron at: http://americanquilttrail.blogspot.com/ Her book will be a big hit, and she keeps adding to her blog. Stay tuned.

Columbia County (Wisconsin) is starting a Barn Quilt Trail. Go to: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/columbia/ for more information, or contact Margo Holzman at: mitesag@yahoo.com.

After months of their hard work, I have added the Wardsville Ontario Barn Quilts blog, to the sidebar of Barn Quilt Websites. They have been very busy with this Bicentennial Celebration and it is worth more than a look-see.

Welcome

Osceola County in Michigan has been added to the sidebar of Barn Quilt Trails

These could be yours !

To view these Barn Quilts, go to:

http://visitcaledonia.com/Auction%20Quilt%20flyer%20rev1.pdf

These are the real McCoy. 8' x 8', and they will be auctioned on August 21

bicentennial celebration

The Wilmington News Journal of Wilmington, Ohio is one of the most consistent news sources publishing stories about Barn Quilts anywhere. Their focus is on Clinton County. They regularly print pictures and stories as new Barn Quilts are hung in the area. There seems to be a special sense of local pride and community that really gets to the roots of this Arts Movement. Below, I am posting a few excerpts from today's story. You can read the rest at: wnewsj.com. Thanks for the honoring all those involved, and all of their hard work.

Take self-guided quilt barn tour Saturday, Sunday
JOHN CROPPER
Staff Writer

The 200-year history of Clinton County will be on display this Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, during a bicentennial barn quilt tour which will take participants through five eras of local history.

Five of the 54 paintings, which have emblazoned the sides of barns around the county this year, will be featured during the self-guided tour. There will be two stops in Wilmington and one each in Martinsville, Clarksville and Sabina. Each quilt site will feature events or activities that correspond with a given era.

“It’s really an event for the whole family,” said Diane Murphy, coordinator of the tour and co-creator of the barn quilt series. “There will be something for everyone."

"I’ve been amazed by the enthusiasm for the barn quilts. Not just locally, but beyond Clinton County as well,” Murphy said.

“Not only are they visiting the barns, but they’re coming back and saying how much they enjoyed it,” she said.

Leading up to the barn tour, “Lady Barn Consultant” Pam Gray will present “The Americanization of the Family Barn” on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Clinton County Historical Society. Admission is free (to see Pam Gray), and open to the public.

For more information about the barn quilt-tour, call Diane Murphy at 382-0136 or Carol Earhart at 366-6302.

Accuquilt

Go to: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=170180&id=84892741164 to vote for your favorite (of 10), Quilt Blocks submitted to the Accuquilt contest. The winner gets $1,000 worth of stuff plus a trip to Fremont, Nebraska and their design will become a 20' x 20' Quilt Block... How cool is that!

Lake County, CA

Just south of Clear lake, California is the community of Kelseyville. Proud home to the Kelseyville Pear Festival, and the recently organized Lake County Quilt Trail - the very first in the state of California!

Buena Vista County, IA

Buena Vista... What a great name!

With images of a few dozen Barn Quilts in and around Storm Lake, Albert City and Buena Vista County, Iowa... I have added the Barn Quilts of Buena Vista County website to the side bar here. Thanks to the Buena Vista County Historical Society.

Kudos

On April, 21, Donna Sue Groves was honored by the Ohio Arts Council with a Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio. Winners were selected from nominations submitted by individuals and organizations throughout Ohio. A selection committee made up of members of the Ohio Arts Council board chooses the winners. Ms Groves' O.A.C. Bio is below:


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PARTICIPATION,
Donna Sue Groves, Manchester

Donna Sue Groves has been the connector and spark that brings people, resources, and dreams together, building civic and community capacity at the grass roots level for over 40 years. Throughout Ohio, and especially in Appalachia, she has worked hand-in-hand with communities, building fruitful partnerships, and bringing resources to economically disadvantaged communities—giving them the skills, tools and networks needed to build successful arts business that stimulate local economies.

As coordinator of the Appalachian Arts Initiative from 1991-1999, Groves developed the first Directory of Appalachian Arts and Artists in Ohio. In her role as OAC Southern Ohio field representative from 2001-2008, she continued to grow the Directory and served a vital role in ongoing work with the artists and arts organizations in Appalachia. As a tireless leader and advocate for the arts and culture in Appalachia, her own strong Appalachian identity and passion for bringing recognition to underserved communities and individual artists is unmatched. Groves fights tirelessly to keep Appalachian Ohio in the public eye and in the minds of arts funders statewide—allowing startup groups and artists with limited resources to grow their audience, market their products and create economic opportunities based on their creative work. She has made it her personal mission to communicate both the cultural and economic value of the region to both its artists and the communities who help create a market for their work. This is a critical element in laying the groundwork for revenue-building, creative industries in isolated, economically depressed, Appalachian border communities.

Grove’s own vision took root in the Quilt Barn Project. Honoring her mother, she thought quilt square murals installed on barns would be a unique way for communities to emphasize and utilize local assets for economic development. What began in rural Adams County in 2001, now draws visitors from all over the country who drive and bike through the Ohio countryside enjoying quilt trails comprised of more than 500 murals in 21 counties. The Quilt Barn Project has become a cultural tourism phenomenon that now stretches across 26 states with 98 dedicated driving trails.

In 2004 Groves received the Jenco Foundation Inspirational Service Arts Award and was named an Outstanding Philanthropist by the Foundation for Appalachia Ohio. In 2006 Sinclair Community College awarded her the Wayne White, Unsung Hero Award.

Groves irrepressible spirit demonstrates each day that one person can make a difference sharing by her knowledge, vision, and love for the arts. She has built deep trust and collaboration in communities across the state and nation by living her motto of "giving people a hand up, not a hand out." Her ongoing collaborative work to celebrate and raise awareness of the unique gifts, talents and cultural traditions of Appalachian Ohio embody the very spirit of participation and community development.

I say, Well done Donna Sue... Well done!

Rock County, Wisconsin

It appears to be very early on for the Barn Quilts of Rock County Wisconsin. They have a web page hosted by the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension service.

The Rock County Barn Quilt Project has an informational brochure that states the following objectives:

* Promote rural heritage of Rock County
* Highlight the architecture and history of barns in the county through relevant quilt blocks
* Encourage economic development by promoting ag-tourism and local business
* Educate the public about the art and history of quilting
* Forming youth-adult partnerships to help teach all ages about the project and our heritage

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A group of Rock County citizens have been working together to make The Barn Quilt Project reality. As you can see on the brochure the first barn quilt has been installed at the Rich & Shirley Templeton Farm in Evansville. Their family will be hosting the 2010 Rock County Dairy Breakfast on June 5th. Information about this project and how you can get involved will be available at this event and at the Rock County Porkfest on June 16 at the Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds.

If you have questions or would like to complete an application for a 8' x 8' Barn Quilt for your barn, complete the application below and contact one of the people listed below...
Ronna Morton-Ballmer, Janesville - 608-758-5112
Phil Woodworth, Evansville - 608-295-5112
Jeanette Beard, Milton - 608-868-4240

200 Years and counting

... currently under construction, but soon you will be able to explore the rich history and traditions of agriculture and quilting in Clinton County. Check back soon for an interactive on-line tour of the Clinton County Barn Quilt Trail, then download and print out Trail Map to tour Clinton County and enjoy the quilts surrounded by the beautiful Clinton County landscape.
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Oh Canada !

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There is this wonderful You Tube video of a quilt being painted... I have to share this. It is not a Barn Quilt (or a Quilt Barn), but a beautiful quilt done in a time lapse. Remember the name: Meghan Hildebrand, and visit: http://www.meghanhildebrand.com/

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Video is here!

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Imaginations = $1,000.00

Located in Fremont, Nebraska, is a company that many quilters know as Accuquilt, and they are a part of the larger AccuCut family of stores. Accuquilt has come up with a great promotion... a contest to select a quilt pattern for a 20' x 20' quilt block to be mounted on the company headquarters. That is 20 feet x 20 feet which would make this one of the largest, if not the largest barn quilt. The winner of this contest will receive $1,000.00 worth of Accuquilt merchandise, and a trip for two to Fremont. Complete contest rules can be found on their website: http://www.accuquilt.com/.


They are looking for images (.pdf, .jpg, .gif or .eps format), and there is a 2nd place, and 3rd place winner, so get out the crayons or Electric Quilt and sharpen your imagination. Entries must be received before midnight, May 14th.

the Golden State

The following are excerpts from the Lake County News (lakeconews.com), in Lakeport, California, and the picture (above) is the new quilt trail block at the Hill Creek ranch near Kelseyville, California. Photo by Richard Smith.

Kelseyville Pear Festival Committee launches new 'quilt trail'
Written by Vicky Parish Smith
Sunday, 25 April 2010

KELSEYVILLE – The Kelseyville Pear Festival Committee is adding a new dimension to this year's celebration – the Lake County Quilt Trail. On a drive along Highway 29 from Kelseyville to Lakeport, watch for a new and unique burst of color that now hangs on the Hill Creek Ranch barn amidst four and a half acres planted with winegrapes and 48 olive trees.

On Saturday, March 27, the committee marked the launch of the Lake County Quilt Trail by hanging a vibrant “quilt block” on the barn owned by Lou Ann Bauer, a San Francisco kitchen and bath designer who also owns and operates LuLu’s Ice Cream and Dessert Shop in downtown Kelseyville, and Nancy Yost, a San Francisco architect. The barn features the pattern “Square on Square” in bright red, white and blue. The pre-built 8-foot wooden square block was hand painted by Konocti Art Society member-artist Annette Higday. Framing and installation was provided by local craftsman/contractor Ben Mitten.

The Lake County Quilt Trail is the very first for the state of California. This Lake County project is part of the rapidly spreading National Quilt Trail throughout more than 24 states. Hill Creek Ranch is easily recognized along Highway 29. As you drive along be sure to look to the west and see the “quilt” block hanging on the barn. The metal animals in a rural, farm setting create a sense of history, creativity and folklore.

Marilyn Holdenried, the founder/chairman of the Kelseyville Pear Festival, discovered a grassroots movement that has quickly spread to over 24 states in the East, Midwest and South.

M'chwihilusing

The town of Wyalusing, Pennsylvania is situated near the mouth of the Wyalusing Creek on the Susquehanna River. The original town, called "M'chwihilusing," dates back several centuries. There is a Wyalusing Borough, that is part of the Wyalusing Township (also home to the Camptown Races), which is a part of Bradford County in the North East corner of the state.

The greater Wyalusing Chamber of Comerce is hosting a page for the Quilted Corners of Wyalusing Barn Quilt Tour, scheduled for May 1, 2010. There should be a map available, but I have not seen it. There is a real nice Video on the website.

go to:
http://www.wyalusing.net/barnquilt

go to:
Quilted Corners of Wyalusing,PA
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Owen County, Ky

There is a new web site that has been set up (still under construction), for the Owen County (Kentucky) Quilt Trail. With over 70 Quilt Blocks listed (8' x 8' and 4' x 4'), I would say that they have been at this for a while. They have a Quilt Trail Book that can be purchased, and some nice (behind the scenes) pictures on their web site.

go to:

http://owencountyquilttrail.com/

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O'Brien County

I am adding the O'Brien County (Iowa), Barn Quilts to the side-bar. With their web page hosted by the Economic Development Corporation, O'Brien County has over 30 Barn Quilts and a Recipe Collection.

On Wisconsin...

Marquette County Home & Community Education Association (HCE) is working with you and Marquette County groups to create, hang, and promote the Barn Quilts of Marquette County! Partners include UW Extension, Marquette County Historical Society, Montello Historical Preservation Society, Maggie Mae’s Café, and more

A Request for Barn Quilt Location is available on line at: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/marquette/

or contact:

Marquette County Barn Quilt Project
Attn: Louise Back
N149 County Road T
Endeavor, WI 53930

or

Attn: Betty Rohde
N8098 Duck Creek Avenue
Neshkoro, WI 54960

more from the OHQT...

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The Oconee Heritage Quilt Trail You Tube Video

(linked here)

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from the Palmetto State...

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The public is invited to the dedication of the Oconee Heritage Quilt Trail (OHQT) on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. The dedication will begin at 4 p.m. at Keowee Elementary School located on Keowee School Road. It will then move to the Oconee Conservatory of Fine Arts (, located across from the Walhalla Civic Auditorium, 101 East North Broad Street, Walhalla; and will end at the Oconee Heritage Museum, located at 123 Brown Square Drive, Walhalla, at approximately 5:15 pm.

The OHQT is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Arts Council in concert with a group of volunteers dedicated to putting South Carolina on the National Quilt Trail. The first three quilts have been completed and several others are in production. The quilts have been painted on specially prepared boards to be mounted on buildings in the area.

The patterns and their locations include a Mariner’s Compass pattern painted by students of Keowee Elementary School to be hung at the front entrance; a Goose in the Pond pattern to be hung on the Oconee Conservatory of Fine Arts; and a Rocky Mountain Road pattern to be hung on the Oconee Heritage Center. This last quilt is on display in the Heritage Center and was originally made by Lena Mae Land Talley of Mountain Rest, SC.

Please visit the Oconee Heritage Quilt Trail web site for history of the National Quilt Trail at (http://www.oconeeheritagequilttrail.com/).

Blue Ridge Arts Center, 111 E. South Second St., Seneca, SC 29678-3403; Phone/Fax: (864) 882-2722E-mail: (office@blueridgeartscenter.com) Web: (http://www.blueridgeartscenter.com/)

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The above press release was captured from Tom Starland's blog " Carolina Arts Unleashed ".

Lewis, Iowa

The town of Lewis, Iowa is a quiet community located on a hill top overlooking the Nishnabotna River Valley and the Lewis Cold Springs Lake. A population of 444 people enjoy a rural location with a rich historical background, surrounded by abundant agricultural endeavors and a vibrant community organization. Active church groups, a great school district and goals to improve the looks, pride and housing in the area make for continuing motivation for a thriving environment.

They currently have over 30 Barn Quilts in Lewis... with only 444 people living in 0.5 Square Miles! I have not found a Cass County Barn Quilt Trail, but if you get to Lewis I don't think you will have trouble spotting one. Check their website at: http://www.cityoflewis.com/

NJ & NC & Ky

The Garden State (New Jersey), has been listed on the side-bar as having one web-site. There does exist enough information to list several of the individual counties. The Barn Quilt Association of New Jersey is a program of the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture. They are off to a fine start and have created their own 2010 calender. The New Jeresy counties now listed are Middlesex, Sussex, and Warren. Efforts are being made in a few more counties, and I will try to keep my eyes out for them as they come on-line.

From the Asheville Citizen-Times: Barbara Webster, executive director of Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina, accepted a first-place award in the category “promotions” for the Burnsville Quilt Trail at the recent Small Town Main Street 2010 Awards. They are also hosting a "Secret party for the ladies..." on Thursday February 11th. Visit their website for more information (www.quilttrailswnc.org)

Breathitt County (Kentucky) Museum Director Janie Griffith writes on the breathittonline.com/blog that : A very exciting workshop, designed to promote our quilting heritage, is being planned for Wednesday, February 17th. The event will be held at the newly renovated county extension office on Main Street in Jackson. Mrs. Martha Yount County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences is in charge of the workshop which will take place at 12 noon. Members of the homemaker club and others interested in creating barn squares are invited. The workshop is being presented by Perry County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent, Ms. Glenna Wooten.

Ms. Wooten’s Kentucky Quilt Trail lesson will begin with a brief history of how quilt trails first began, and how the movement has spread across Kentucky. Included is a PowerPoint slide presentation showing quilt blocks from various counties. During the class, participants will receive handouts consisting of existing trails guidelines and will learn how to set up guidelines for a trail in Breathitt County. Funding for this project will also be discussed.

Recently, quilt trails have been organized in Perry and several other area counties. In 2006, Ms. Wooten received a grant for the quilt blocks in Perry County. Since that time, volunteers have painted and mounted around 30 quilt blocks throughout the county. Ms. Wooten’s lesson was made possible through a joint effort of the Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities. During the month of February, Ms. Wooten will travel through eight neighboring counties, teaching the lesson to other homemaker clubs and interested individuals.

The February 17th meeting in Jackson will consist of a light luncheon, followed by the quilt trails presentation. After the program, participants will visit the Breathitt County Museum to view first hand examples of barn squares during various stages of creation painted by museum director and local artist Janie Griffith.If you are interested in joining in and becoming part of this exciting project, be sure and attend this special workshop. Mark your calendars for 12 noon, Wednesday, February 17th and be at the extension office prepared to roll up your sleeves and get started on a bright and colorful Kentucky barn square!

Barn Quilts are Art

I interject the following to provoke thought ...

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http://www.artlex.com/

elitism and elitist - The belief that certain persons deserve favored treatment by virtue of their superior artistic or intellectual accomplishments, or because of some other real or perceived status. People and things reach various levels of achievement, of success, and for better or worse, people judge the qualities of other people and things. But elitism is a tendency to codify levels of artistic sophistication into a hierarchical system that some would call pretentiously exclusionary, and others realistic. Elitism is the sense of entitlement that follows from this attitude, and the control or dominance by a group of elitists — the people who take this view of their position. Elitism always elicits aesthetic questions about defining art, who is an authority about it, and what that means for people who aren't.


Elitism in the art world is the insistence that art is somehow out of the realm of common experience, that its pleasures are not available to everyone. It has become increasingly necessary to read texts (artists' statements, wall labels or plaques, articles of art criticism, etc.) in order to understand certain works of art, but this is what great contemporary art does: It advances through ideas, by engaging our minds. Art galleries, because their offerings are commodities, are invariably commercial enterprises, but they are among the only places where the public can see art free of charge. Museums serve comparable roles as a community's storehouse of art, exhibiting works to their visitors, educating visitors to the works' significance, garnering support in ways unlike the galleries'. Wherever encounters with art occur, they always demand the viewer's attention and receptivity. Failure to embrace those opportunities are at least, simply that: losses of opportunities, significant as those can be.

Easton, Md

January 28 at 1:30 p.m. at TCVAC (storm date Feb 4)

!!!! Art Talk !!!!

'The Barn Quilts of Western Maryland'

It's not what you think!

Dolores Andrew will talk about how gloriously innovative Western Maryland artists are and what they are doing to save the local culture in the most creative of ways. Barn Quilt Art is now found in 23 states and in Maryland in Garret County, which even has a Barn Quilt Art Trail.

"Barn Quilts are public art that celebrates the place people call home. They make people feel good about themselves and where they live."- Donna Sue Groves, visionary of some of the first Barn Quilt Art in Maryland.

Random happenings...

I want to share with you all, several items of note. I will be out of town for a few days which often means out of web-sight.

When you have time, visit Jen Buettner's blog: http://www.cre8tivequilter.blogspot.com/. Jen has this wonderful Barn Quilt Block of the Week going. She is a talented quilter (& EQ artist), photographer and blogger.

Watch the Barn Quilt Trail video from The Old Mission Peninsula at: http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/27868944. Enjoy the stories that go with the barns...

I was fascinated when I stumbled across the following: CSA (community supported agriculture) farm - Crown Point Ecology Center - in Bath, Ohio (between Akron and Medina). They are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their barn with a quilt block contest. The winning block will be painted on their barn. You can read about it at http://www.crownpt.org/. You can even enter, if you wish The center donated over 30,000 pounds of organic food to the local food bank last year. Amazing!

Kentucky Quilt Trails

Here are some new (new for me) Quilt Trails from Kentucky. I am sure there are more, and I will be glad to add them to the side-bar as I find them (or you send me the link :-). In no particular order...

Madison County
http://ces3.ca.uky.edu/madisonquilttrail/trail.html

Henry County
http://www.henrycountyky.com/extension/barnquilts.htm

Georgetown County
http://www.georgetownky.com/barnquilt_web_pg/indexquilt2.html

Hart County
http://ces.ca.uky.edu/hart/node/69

Breckinridge County
http://www.visitbreckinridgecountyky.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=7&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=63

Washington County
http://ces.ca.uky.edu/washington-files/WASHINGTONCOUNTY_BARN_QUILT_TRAIL.pdf

Harrison County
http://www.harrisoncountybarnquilts.com/

Grayson County
http://www.graysoncountytourism.com/quilts.htm
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Illinois

If anyone has ever asked you what a "Barn Quilt" is... ask them if they have about 5 minutes to look at the following You Tube video from Kankakee County, Illinois. Supported by the University of Illinois Extension and the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau, this short piece of cinematography says a lot.

(click here)

And...

In Illinois there is one other county that has Barn Quilts (or Quilted Barns), and that is McHenry. Also, the pictures at http://www.mchsonline.org/ will remind you that there are warmer days to come. Meanwhile, McHenry County Historical Society’s Executive Director Nancy Fike will hold a brainstorming session at 10 a.m. Jan. 14 at the historical society’s museum, 6422 Main St., Union. This is about the creation of a would-be quilt trail in McHenry County. For more information, call 815-923-2267 or e-mail info@mchsonline.org.

BTW

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There is news from the South. The Southern Quilt Trail which had its start in Powder Springs, Georgia, has now partnered with the Rolling Hills RC & D (Resource Conversation and Development) Council. I am told that there are now 22 Quilt Blocks in Cobb County and 5 surrounding counties (Carol, Haralson, Paulding, West Cobb, Heard) with 4 other counties (Coweta, Douglas, Floyd & Polk), ready to get started.


BTW

I questioned the size of the Amish Postage Stamp Quilt Blocks on John's Butcher Shop in Nappanee, Indiana. There has been a note added explaining that each of these are actually 8' x 8' and painted by the local artist Jeff Stillson. Thanks Sonya. Please visit: http://www.quiltgardenstour.com/

The answer is Nappanee

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Nappanee, Indiana

The good folk of Nappanee (Elkhart County), don't have a Barn Quilt Trail (yet), but what they do have is a Quilt Garden Tour... that includes more than few large painted quilt blocks. I think that to enjoy the Quilt Gardens of Elkart county, you need to time your visit to the season and the community volunteers. These painted Quilt Blocks can be enjoyed year-round. See more at http://www.amishcountry.org/QuiltGardensTour2010

The picture above was taken from http://www.amishcountry.org/ . The blocks are on the side of John's Butcher Shop in downtown Nappanee and I do not know the actual size of them. One of the interesting things about the Elkhart / Nappanee Quilt Blocks are that they have been painted onto lumber rather than plywood. Look closely at the photos on their website.

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Where have you seen these ?

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Where can you find 4' x 4' (quilt block) copies of these four USPS Postage Stamps that were released in 2001? Clue: It's not Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

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Congratulations Donna Sue Groves

I picked up the following story from Adams County, Ohio newspaper: the People's Defender. Reported December 30, 2009, "Donna Sue Groves' idea of a quilt barn trail took root and has since blossomed across the state of Ohio and into at least 26 states. In April, Groves will be awarded the Governor's Award for the Arts, not just for her quilt barn idea, but for community development and participation, especially in the Appalachian region."

The biography for Ms Groves on the Ohio Arts Council web site (http://www.oac.state.oh.us/) states in part: "Groves irrepressible spirit demonstrates each day that one person can make a difference sharing by her knowledge, vision, and love for the arts. She has built deep trust and collaboration in communities across the state and nation by living her motto of "giving people a hand up, not a hand out." Her ongoing collaborative work to celebrate and raise awareness of the unique gifts, talents and cultural traditions of Appalachian Ohio embody the very spirit of participation and community development. "

Morgan County, Co

Currently the Morgan County Barn Quilt Project lists the addresses of over 40 Quilt Blocks.


The story and picture below was printed by the Brush News-Tribune and Fort Morgan Times, and reminds us of warmer times in Morgan County, Colorado. It also makes me think about how nice it would be to have this quilt on my bed. Look closely at the picture and you will see 16 quilt blocks on the quilt... and the same 16 on the barn.

Project would create cozy barn quilt replicas
By JESSE CHANEY,
Posted: 10/13/2009 01:05:49 PM MDT

A fabric quilt displayed by Nancy Lauck, coordinator of the Morgan County Barn Quilt Project, illustrates the designs on all 16 barn quilts mounted on the barn behind her. (Special to The Times)

Though their bright colors and geometric shapes are characteristic of traditional fabric quilts, the painted-plywood barn quilts found throughout Morgan County aren’t exactly soft and snuggly. But Morgan County Barn Quilt Project Coordinator Nancy Lauck hopes to soon complement many area barn quilts with comfy, cozy replicas. “It’s just a branch off our barn quilts,” she said.

Lauck recently created a fabric quilt that illustrates the designs on all 16 barn quilts displayed on her property north of Highway 34 between Fort Morgan and Brush. Lauck hopes hers will be the first in a collection of fabric quilts that replicate the designs on all barn quilts mounted on Morgan County barns. She would like to eventually display the whole set of fabric quilts at special events throughout Morgan County.

The displays would not only attract more people to local events, she said, but they would generate more interest in the artworks mounted on Morgan County barns. Some people display the barn quilts on business buildings and other structures, but Lauck said she is only interested in creating fabric replicas of those that hang on barns. “We can draw more people to the barns,” she said. “We need to bring more attention to the barns that we have left in Morgan County.”

Lauck said she is not yet sure how the fabric quilt project would play out. “I really am open to suggestions because I’ve got the idea of doing it, I just need more bodies to help,” she said. Lauck said any effort to replicate Morgan County’s barn quilts in fabric would not be a moneymaking venture. Like the barn quilt project, she said, the fabric quilt project would probably be successful only through utilizing donated time and supplies.

She has considered asking members of local quilting groups if they would help make the fabric quilts. Additionally, some barn owners may want to quilt their own replicas to add to the collection, she said. “I could even teach them,” she said. Anyone who has ideas or is willing to help may contact Lauck at 867-2047.

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From Pocahontas, Arkansas

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Only a couple of months ago, I added Randolph County, Arkansas to the sidebar of Barn Quilt websites. I hope that you have found time to visit their site sponsored by Five Rivers Historic Preservation, Inc. (http://www.5rhp.org/) There is a nice tri-fold brochure with a map that you can download. I am even more impressed by the 20 page PDF file showing the 37 different quilts that are being recognized, along with the history and a story for each of them. These are real quilts, owned and sewn by real folks... with lots of love.

World Contest...

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On the Social Networking Site: barnquilting.ning.com , I have created a challenge for all Barn Quilt Trail Organizations, Art Associations, and individual Artists that have created a Barn Quilt (Quilt Barn). This is being called the 2010 Best of the Best, and submissions must be posted to the 2010 Best of the Best photo album on the barnquilting.ning.com web site.

Right now I do not see a reason to the restrict the choices to just those Quilt Blocks that have been created or hung this year (or last), but in order to have a manageable number of entries, I would like to ask that each organization, association or individual limit their entries to just one. The contest will evolve, and rules and restrictions may be suggested. I will not personally be eligible to participate in the contest.

I would like to promote the contest, and I will be soliciting ideas for prizes and recognition from all members of the Barn Quilting network on Ning.

I would love to hear all of your ideas and input (i.e.: different categories ?).

2010

I want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year, filled with the warm love of family and friends. There is wisdom in the old Irish blessing... May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you're going, and the insight to know when you're going too far.

Many of us await the release of Suzi Parron's book Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail that will be released in 2010. She has created a new Barn Quilt calendar that is available at: cafepress.com/quilttrails. You can find out more about Ms Parron's book and her travels at: americanquilttrail.blogspot.com

I would very much like to thank all those that have become members of (or visited), the social networking site: barnquilting.ning.com. I hope that this year we can attract and encourage barn quilters (and fans), from every corner of the country... and beyond.