QuiltKF4 on Kennedy’s Barn in Kingfield. Contributed photo
SKOWHEGAN — The High Peaks Creative Council is collaborating with Wesserunsett Arts Council on a project to expand the American Barn Quilt Trail into Somerset County.
The creative council has created and installed 30 quilt block murals in north Franklin County. The artwork was created through a series of workshops in the local school districts and through community-based workshops for people of all ages.
The motivation for this project was to find a way to support the mission of the the council. The stated mission is to connect regional arts and cultural organizations around creative public projects that benefit the quality of life and support resiliency in the local economy.
The Somerset County barn quilts are to be created at a series of free workshops. Participants can learn the art of making barn quilt murals and help create public art for the community. Each participant can learn skills and techniques to create exterior murals of American quilt block designs. Finished pieces will be displayed on area roadside barns and grange halls. Workshops will strictly follow CDC guidelines. All ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult (except at the Skowhegan workshops which is designed as an after-school children’s activity).
Because space is limited, RSVP is required. The schedule is as follows:
• May 27 and 28, 9-11 a.m. and noon-2 p.m.: Lakewood Golf Course Clubhouse, 803 Lakewood Road, Madison;
• June 1, 9-11 a.m. and noon-2 p.m.: Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm, 344 School St., New Portland;
• June 3 and 4, 9-11 a.m. and noon-2 p.m.: East Madison Grange, Grange Road, Madison;
• June 10 and 11, 9-11 a.m. and noon-2 p.m.: Solon Hotel, 4 North Main St., Solon; and
• May 26, June 2 and 9 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.: The SPACE on the River, 181 Water St., Skowhegan; this is available as an afterschool kids’ workshop.
The first barn quilt trail was created in Adams County, Ohio, in 2001 by Donna Sue Groves wanted to honor her mother, a well-known quilter, by painting a quilt block on their barn. Soon after, 20 quilt blocks were painted on barns in Adams County. The project had wide appeal, and proved to be beneficial to the community by bringing tourism and economic development.
Today, there are barn quilt trails in more than half of the states in the United States.
To RSVP, call or text Reinholt at 207-313-4878 or email wesartsinfo@gmail.com. For more information about the project, call Reinholt at 207-313-4878.
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