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.