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Quilt Barns The
Original “Barn Clothesline” of Quilt Squares Traditional quilt squares now grace some 20 barns in Adams County, and our “quilt sampler” has become an official part of the new Appalachian Discovery Birding & Heritage Trail. Following in our footsteps now are Brown and Monroe Counties, Ohio; Grundy County, Iowa; 11 counties in Tennessee; and several counties in North Carolina and West Virginia. What was originally called the “Adams County Quilt Sampler” project began with seed money from the Ohio Art’s Council’s Appalachian program and support from The Nature Conservancy. Moving quickly, the first of 20 quilt squares was painted on a barn at Lewis Mountain in 2001 and unveiled at that year’s Old Thyme Herb Fair. It wasn’t long before residents and property owners, artists and quilters, businesses and organizations gave their full support to the project. Here was a very direct and powerful way to increase the positive awareness of Appalachian culture, celebrate our Appalachian heritage, and attract tourism to the area—while sharing the beauty of the quilting art with others. The Quilt Sampler project was supported by a diverse group of organizations and individuals (see full list below). Many barn owners were so enthusiastic, however, that they funded the design and painting of their own quilt squares, getting advice and research help from the Quilt Sampler committee as needed. The interest from barn owners continues to grow and though the initial goal of 20 painted barns has been met, we anticipate that many more quilt squares will be painted on Adams County barns in the future. Initiated by Donna Sue Groves in honor of her mother, Maxine, who is a master quilter, the Quilt Sampler project has resulted in a unique and very scenic driving tour that takes about 1.25 days at a leisurely pace to see the entire “quilt.” In between, there are unique shops and Amish establishments to visit, historic sites, and other points of interest. A variety of options for an overnight stay (cabins, inns, lodges, motels, and bed and breakfasts) are available to visitors to our “Edge of Appalachia.” To broaden the Quilt Sampler project’s reach, in 2003 the Quilt Sampler, with help from The Nature Conservancy and the Ohio Audubon Society, became part of the Appalachian Discovery Birding & Heritage Trail, a 200-mile trail that combines the region’s most productive birding “hot spots” with significant historical sites. The quilt barns fit in perfectly with the birding and heritage trail, providing another innovative tool for moving travelers through the countryside while highlighting Appalachian heritage. A real sampler quilt, based on the original 20 squares painted on our barns, will be available for purchase in the near future, as will postcards featuring the squares in our “quilt sampler.” For more information, contact: Organizations and individuals who have given their support to the project include:
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Driving
Tour Copyright © 2004 Planning Adams County's Tomorrow |
