Have you driven past a barn with a quilt block pattern and wonder about the meaning of it?
Barn quilts were created as a way to honor a loved one with a beautiful piece of folk art.
Barn quilts have been around for many years with a spike of interest in the last 2 decades which has brought increased popularity again. In 2001 Donna Sue Groves on Adams County, Ohio wanted to honor her mother Maxine and her quilting art by painting a quilt block on her tobacco barn. Soon friends and neighbors wanted barn quilts of their own. Donna soon realized her unique quilting could have a great effect on the area, so she decided to paint barns with quilt squares all over.
Soon the first barn quilt trail was born.
According to barn quilt history, a barn quilt trail is a collection of quilt blocks on a series of barns that are on a walking or driving trail. The quilt patterns do not have to be on barns. The quilt designs can be on any building.
The barn quilts are usually chosen from a family's own quilt patterns that may have been passed down through the years. The family's quilt pattern is turned into public art on their own barns or buildings. Then it becomes a part of a quilt trail.
These works of art have brought tourism boosts to rural communities with established quilt trails. The scenic drives across rural areas to see the colorful patterns have become a beloved folk art tradition.
Thanks to Donna Sue Groves and the Ohio Arts Council, old barns are now a must see for anyone who enjoys small towns, American Art, and family-friendly tourist attractions that are loved. Find a barn quilt trail map near you and enjoy the adventure.
Additional information about quilt patterns and their significance in American history can be found at https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/underground-railroad-quilt-codes.com