Monday, May 31, 2010

May 31, 2010 (Memorial Day)


Amish Farm, Samuels Church RD.
Between McClure and Cherry Run, PA.

On Friday I got a chance to spend the day driving around looking for potential quilt square sites as well as a tentative quilt trail. This would be the second trail of four, the first tentatively an Amtrak trail which would start in Lewistown, PA at 11:09 am arriving in Harrisburg, PA at 12:45 pm. The return trip to Lewistown leaves Harrisburg at 2:36 pm getting back around a quarter to four. Along the rail route will be quilts visible from the train every ten miles or so. Nice comfortable, inexpensive afternoon jaunt.


Back to the auto road trail. early Friday morning, I started in Lewistown heading northeast to Lewisburg which was my tentative goal. Although I never reached my destination I found some gems along the way and formulated a tentative second trail.

Much of the this area is inhabited by Amish farms and for a good potion of the trip I drove through idealic farm country. There were many roadside stands selling strawberries, dairy products, maple syrup and eggs. I purchased a quart of strawberries which the traditionally clothed, Amish girl gave me in a cut-down box. I secured the strawberry box on the passenger seat so I could easily access the strawberries as needed.

As I drove through this beautiful country, noshing on newly harvested strawberries and listening to the Beatles, White Album, I gained a new appreciation for the beauty of Central Pennsylvania.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

May 26, 2010


The Gates, Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Central Park, New York City.

Community Partnerships R D & D of Central Pennsylvania decided to attempt a regional, possibly statewide quilt trail. Because of my background in Art and Environmental Studies, I was asked to spearhead this program.

As an artist (my website can be found at sharon@sharon-lee.com) I am approaching this project as a large scale sculpture much in the same manner of Christo and his wife, Jeanne Claude.Quilt Trails are basically a layperson's version of what Christo and Jeanne Claude did with their fabulous alfresco sculptures.

By using already existing architectural structures and/or natural landscapes, painted 8' x 8' quilt squares are installed at strategic settings drawing the viewer's attention to a place of historic, educational or interest.