Madison County Barn Quilt Project

The quilt is a symbol of comfort, family, heritage and community. Based on similar projects in other states, the Madison County Arts Council (MCAC) is sponsoring the creation of a series of paintings of individual quilt square designs. The paintings, all eight feet square, will adorn barns around our county. Each project will require a designer/coordinator, willing painters, willing installers and a willing property owner to donate hanging space on a barn. The council will provide each painting 'team' with a guide book prepared by local artist Lisa Mandle and MCAC Executive Director Anne Rawson.

Making Tobacco Barn Quilt squares will allow groups of folks, community centers, churches, school classes and individuals the opportunity to create and paint their own personal quilt square. The square may represent a family pattern from a beloved quilt or something new.

As the Barn Quilts are “made” and “hung” on barns throughout our county, MCAC will create a driving map and brochure to highlight the work. This map will bring locals and tourists into our community to view this unique and delightful project.

In addition, we will work in partnership with schools to create an oral and visual history project to document family quilts and the stories surrounding them.

The project will be funded by grants and through sponsorships from local businesses as well as individuals which offers another opportunity for community spirit to shine.
As you see, this project will positively impact our county in a variety of ways:

• by creating community – from the joining together of a diverse group of folks to create the “Quilts”
• by providing additional avenues for tourism and economic development through the creation and use of the Quilt tour map
• by supporting and honoring community through documentation of oral history projects surrounding family quilts
• by supporting our local artists through payment for their work

Whether a community center, a school class, a church, a business or an interested group of individuals - all are welcome as we cover Madison County with colorful barn quilts! We truly believe that this project will embrace and “warm” us all.

Want a quilt? Want to create one? Call us at 828-649-1301 or contact us online!