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PHOTO: Sanders Farmstead in Phillips, (Saskia Reinholt photo)
FARMINGTON — The American Barn Quilt Trail, which started in Somerset County and spread to northern Franklin County, will not expand to southern Franklin County.
Greater Franklin Cultural Coalition is collaborating with The High Peaks Creative Council on the project to expand the quilt trail.
So far, HPCC has created and installed 30 quilt block murals in north Franklin County and 15 in Somerset County. The artwork was created through workshops in school districts and the community at large for people of all ages.
The southern Franklin County barn quilts will be created at free workshops, where 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 area roadside barns and buildings.
Workshops will follow CDC guidelines. All ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP is required, as space is limited.
All workshops are 9 a.m.-noon:
• March 2, 3 and 4, Western Maine Play Museum, Wilton.
• March 7, 8, Belle Creative Arts Center, Wilton.
• March 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, Farmington Community Center, Farmington.
The first barn quilt trail was in Adams County, Ohio, created in 2001, by Donna Sue Groves, to honor her mother, a well-known quilter. Groves painted a quilt block on their barn. Soon, there were 20 quilt blocks on barns in Adams County. The project brought in tourism and economic development.
The HPCC, participating in the American for the Arts Arts and Economic Prosperity Study 5, found that the nonprofit arts and cultural industry generates $1,755,237 in annual economic activity in north Franklin County.
The research shows the arts and cultural industry has a significant impact in the area, said Saskia Reinholt, of HPCC. “Here in Franklin County, the cultural sector provides employment opportunities, supports businesses, attracts tourism and lengthens the time visitors choose to stay here,” Reinholt said.
The organization hopes that expansion of the barn quilt trail will enhance cultural destination tourism, increase economic activity and increase community pride.
For information, contact Saskia Reinholt at 207-313-4878 or reinholtgallery@gmail.com.
