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SKOWHEGAN — The High Peaks Creative Council and Wesserunsett Arts Council are collaborating on a project to expand the American Barn Quilt Trail into Somerset County from Franklin County.
The HPCC 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 the project was to find a way to support the mission of the HPCC. The stated mission is to connect regional arts and cultural organizations around creative public projects that benefit the quality of life and support resilience in the local economy.
The Somerset County barn quilts will be created at a series of free workshops. Participants will learn the art of making barn quilt murals and help create public art for the community. Each participant will learn skills and techniques to create exterior murals of American quilt block designs.
Finished pieces will be displayed on 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, workshop, which is designed as an afterschool children’s activity. Registration is required, as space is limited.
May 26, June 2 — The SPACE on the River, Skowhegan, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. (this is an afterschool kids’ workshop).
May 27, 28 — Lakewood Golf Course Clubhouse, Madison, 9 to 11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m., both days.
June 1 — Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm, New Portland, 9 to 11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m.
June 3, 4 — East Madison Grange, Madison, 9 to 11 a.m. noon to 2 p.m., both days.
June 10, 11 — Solon Hotel , Solon, 9 to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m., both days.
The nonprofit arts and cultural industry generates $1,755,237 in annual economic activity in the Maine High Peaks region of north Franklin County.
“This research provides data indicating that the arts and cultural industry has significant impact in our rural communities. In north Franklin County, the cultural sector provides employment opportunities, supports businesses, attracts tourism and lengthens the time visitors choose to stay, a recent study organized by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education, found.
Organizers said they hope the expansion of the barn quilt trail will enhance cultural destination tourism, increase economic activity and increase community pride. For information, contact Saskia Reinholt, 207-313-4878.
