History

written by Barb Hone for Barn Quilts of Carver County MN

Home of the first barn quilt is Adams County, Ohio. In 2001, Donna Sue Groves chose to honor her mother, Maxine, and her Appalachian heritage by hanging a painted quilt on her barn. Through her work with the Ohio Arts Council and other community organizations, Donna altered her plan. Rather than a personal tribute, she suggested installing 20 quilts along a driving trail welcoming visitors into the countryside.

Good ideas spread! Donna worked with organizations in neighboring Ohio counties, Tennessee, and she introduced the concept to Iowa. Today this simple idea – barn quilt trails, open-air art galleries – has spread to 48 states and to Canada.

Inspired by the Iowa trail, Naomi Russell, project founder, introduced barn quilts to Carver County in 2011. Since then, more than 40 quilt blocks have been installed. Barn quilts are 2 pieces of 4’ x 8’ plywood painted and framed. The quilt patterns are chosen by the barn owners. Patterns are chosen for their color or design, but most often they reflect family heritage or a family heirloom quilt.

Local artist and business owner, Suzanne Thiesfeld, was the artistic director for the project – assisting with color and design choices and drawing each pattern to scale so the barn owners, their families and friends could do the painting.

Installation is a challenge. Framed and ready to mount, each quilt block weighs approximately 250 pounds. As community service, Minnesota Valley Electric Coop donated the man power and equipment.

To learn more about the Barn Quilts of Carver County, consider a Barn Quilt bus tour with Janet Fahey or purchase Barb's Book, Barn Quilts Carver County, MN, with photography by Jerry O'Dair.