December 28, 2010

It seems inevitable that the last post of the year for any blogger will be the summation of the past year. Community Partnerships RC&D had thrown about the idea of starting a quilt trail for a year or two. It wasn't until I came came aboard the team as a six month intern that we were able to get this project off the ground. Starting at the end of May 2010, it was my project to research and initiate.

For almost the entire month of June I spent most of my working (and non-working) hours learning everything I could about pre-existing trails. We were fortunate as to have been proceeded by many capable and well organized trails. The Internet allows this information to be freely shared.

At first the idea of such a task seemed over-whelming. I couldn't begin to imagine how I could bring random folk, buildings and money together for a project that was new, during a time of economic turmoil.

Little by little I began to understand the process necessary and the  PA Quilt Trails became a reality. Today there are two quilt squares completed and installed, two squares in the creation stages and two squares  just beginning to take form.

The PA Quilt Trails is part of your community. Make it even more personal by sponsoring a square this year. $250 pays for all the supplies and materials for one square. Honor a retiring colleague, departed loved one, business or family by sponsoring a square in their name.

Happy New Years

click on Happy New Years link

or paste address below in web browser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VggAH1dk3Qk

December 21, 2010

I know everyone from your local girl scouts, religious organizations, art associations and animal rescues have asked you for year end-holiday donations. This time of year, for all of us can be financially overwhelming. Regardless of your religious persuasion most likely gift giving is high on your list of December necessities.

Yet here once again asking for PA Quilt Trails financial support. Support for the PA Quilt Trails comes back many fold for its community. Pa Quilt Trails needs its community to support this venture.

Please consider supporting PA Quilt Trails in your gift giving. Maybe a quilt square in honor of a boss, worker or loved one. Perfect gift for the hard to please and those who have everything. $250 pays all the material expenses for one quilt. There are volunteers willing to give their time and paint so all that is needed right now is money for paint, brushes and plywood.

You can easily ,make a donation, any size large or small by clicking on the Paypal button on top to the right. No Paypal account is needed.

December 13, 2010

One of the first things that caught my interest upon moving to southeast Arizona was the nighttime sky. Since the begining of human exsistence, the nighttime sky has been used to tell  directions, a means to pass on oral culture and wisdom, weather conditions, time, etc.

You may feel it's a stretch to compare a quilt trail to stars and planets but there actually are many similarities. Quilt trails guide travelers to specific destinations. If you followed the PA Quilt Trails, the quilt at the Sewing Shanty not only introduces you to a charming fabric shop but the lovely community of Selinsgrove and its surrounding as well. Similarly the quilt square at Hunters Valley Winery in Liverpool has one of the most amazing views of the Susquehanna River I have ever encountered.

Quilt trails pass on oral history and culture. We are in the beginning stages of working on a new quilt honoring a noted hook rug master who resided in Perry County. 

The colors of quilts will change according to time of day and time of year. In the winter a blue may seem cobalt yet in warmer seasons closer to teal.

The PA Quilt Trail is currently at its early stages. Your support is greatly appreciated. Give the gift of a quilt square in honor of a friend, employee, boss, family member and/or dearly departed. $250 buys all the materials necessary for a quilt square. You can easily donate by using the Paypal button on the top right of this page. No Paypal account is needed to pay this way.

December 6, 2010

I now live in an artistic community just a stone's throw from the United States-Mexico border. Bisbee, Arizona is a thriving tourist spot attracting people from all over the country, if not the world. It may surprise you that  the business district, home to all  the shops, restaurants and saloons is not actually the tourist attractor, rather people come here to follow the trail of art that decorates the town.

When I first came to Bisbee I was intreaged by the work of a muralist who's work is throughout this and the surrounding communities. Muralist, Rose Johnson's work forces me to search for more murals, at the same time bringing me to places I would not have thought to visit. This is what I envision the PA Quilt Trails to be.

The Pa Quilt Trails is the start of something that will go on for years, outlasting Community Partnerships RC&D staff, PA Quilt Trails administrator, quilt square site owners, sponsors and painters. Be part of the future. Support PA Quilt Trails. All donations large and small are welcomed, appreciated and needed.

Novemer 29, 2010

As I traveled across the United States, leaving (physically) the region of the PA Quilt Trails my hopes of finding other quilt trails was realized when I passed through Cumberland, Maryland and Terry County, Texas.

Heavy rains nearly obscured a beautiful quilt square in Cumberland. My dissapointment was somewhat releived days later when passing through Terry County, Texas where clear skies and several quilt squares were easily spotted. As the sun set in Rule, Texas, my car companion and I decided to stop and watch the sun set. Fortune greeted us as we parked the car and found our first Texas quilt square directly ahead!

Terry County Quilt Trail, Rule, Texas

Ropes Farmers Cotton co-op, Rule, Texas

Lee's Boot Shop, Rule, Texas

November 8, 2010

As the coordinator for the PA Quilt Trails I spent much of my time explaining what a quilt trail is to interested parties. When it was first explained to me, many, many months ago, I was under the impression that families hung out their heirloom quilts on their barns for all the community to enjoy. However, my experience with hanging laundry on the line gave me cause to doubt this scenario and re-investigate what is a "Quilt Trail".

And as I explain the "What is?" of the quilt trail, conversation inevitably goes to "What for?" As I more time passes and the quilt trail grows so does the reasons for it expand and grow. At first I thought of a quilt trail as  simply an Agro-tourism tool, (a 21st century catch phrase for promoting tourism in rural and farm regions). But as more groups and individuals become involved, the quilt trail evolves. For the Skills Group of Pennsylvania the PA Quilt Trails is a means of expressing their sometimes unheard voices, an Eagle Scout Group may think of it as a way to give to the community, Juniata Valley Quilters Guild get to share their passion for quilting with the community, and so on.

The PA Quilt Trails is an organic project that is reflective of those who participate past and present. It can serve many purposes for many people. It brings groups and individuals together for a united purpose and lastly adds beauty to our community.

If you have the means please consider sponsoring a quilt square. Right now we have groups that want to paint but are lacking sponsorship. $250 pays for all the expenses of the construction of a quilt square. Use the Paypal button above to make a donation (No Paypal account needed) or mail check to
PA Quilt Trails
Community Partnerships RC&D
23 North Main Street
Lewistown, PA 17044

November 1, 2010

Things are starting to really pick up for the PA Quilt Trails. We now have enough groups and individuals to paint upcoming quilts plus a few for quilts to come. Community Partnerships RC&D which prides itself on bringing community members together on community projects is spearheading this endevor. That said the PA Quilt Trails would not be moving forward if it were not for the sponsors and painters.

This week Skills of Central Pennsylvania, Locus Grove Retirement and Rehabilitation Center and the Juniata Quilter's Guild all have joined together to further this project. Each group and individual is using his/her talents to make this happen.

Please support the PA Quilt Trails via the Paypal buttom on the top right of this page. Every donation small or large goes right back into the project. Show off the fabulousness of Pennsylvania by supporting PA Quilt Trails.

Ocotober 25, 2010

With my internship winding down I feel it's time to give an update on what the PA Quilt Trails has accomplished over the past five months. With the the first and second quilt squares installed focus has shifted to two more squares both sponsored by the Juniata Valley Quilters Guild.

The first of the two will be painted by Skills of Central Pennsylvania and installed at Heirloom Cabinetry in Mifflintown. (Next blog I will devote to more details about working with the people at Skills and a bit about who they are. ) Juniata Valley Quilters Guild is working on selecting a traditional pattern to be used. This will be hung in early Spring, one of central Pennsylvania's most charming seasons.

One of the unforeseen benefits of working on a project such as the PA Quilt Trails, is how it brings members of the community together. With each quilt, I have met many people who share a passion for central Pennsylvania in unique and interesting ways.

Please consider participating in the Pa Quilt Trails as it rapidly expands. At present Community Partnerships RC&D and the PA Quilt Trails is serving seven counties including:  Juniata, Perry, Mifflin, Montour,  Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties. Whether you, your family, friends or group want to financially sponsor a quilt, paint the actual quilt or have a location to be considered, your participation is greatly appreciated.

Be part of your community and be part of the PA Quilt Trails!

October 19, 2010

Well..... Sorry it's been so long since I last posted but an out-of-town visitor followed by a horrible chest cold put all things PA Quilt Trails on temporary hold.
To date two quilt squares have been  completed and installed at Hunters Valley Winery (Liverpool) and Sewing Shanty (Selinsgrove), The Juniata Area Quilters Guild are sponsoring a third square at Heritage Cabinetry and we are still looking for sponsorship for a square to be installed at the Tuscarora Ranger Station (Perry County).

The success of the PA Quilt Trails depends on community support. As the trail grows and becomes more visible we will add  maps, and audio information accessible from a cell phone.

September 20, 2010

During these hard economic times, how can one be expected to support the arts in any capacity. The job market is tenuous at best, people are losing family homes, and more and more people are depending on government assistance to make ends meet. A piece of art alone cannot keep the electric company from turning off your power, feed your kids or pay your mortgage....or can it?

Much like gems and gold, art has an intrinsic value. Paint a mural in a downtown and watch the surrounding shops embellish their storefronts. Art can also bring in tourist dollars. State College's Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts annually brings together artists of many disciplines, attracting out-of-town as well as local visitors. The revenue from the Arts Festival helps artists, musicians, dancers, local business, restaurants, hotels, etc. The impact of the festival on the local economy is quite impressive. All done with art.

The Pa Quilt Trails, a combination of traditional crafts and arts. It has the potential to attract eco-tourism dollars, spruce up the community, and bring beauty in everyday lives. Every dollar donated helps make the PA Quilt Trails a reality, one that will benefit its community for years to come.

September 15, 2010

If I ever doubted the power of art with its ability to draw people's attention inward, that doubt is gone after spending the better part of the past week in Bisbee, Arizona. If you've never traveled to this art-filled town, you should immediately amend your bucket list. Everywhere you look, especially in the most unexpected places art pieces, both decorative as well as political permeated the town. As a result Bisbee is one of the most visited places in southeast Arizona outside of Tombstone (can anyone really resist Elvis impersonators hobnobbing with cowboys down a dusty Arizona road?

Like Bisbee, the purpose of the PA Quilt Trails is to draw people's attention inward by using quilt squares to draw attention to some of central Pennsylvania's special places. Followers of our trail will get to slow down, get off the fast lane and experience the beauty of central Pennsylvania by following the beautiful colors and patterns of a quilt square. These painted jewels combine the tradition of a centuries-old craft, color and form to create works of art. If you were on the fence about supporting the PA Quilt Trails,now is a critical time in getting this project fully on it's way of becoming a known attractor in the region. Sponsor an entire quilt square ($250)or donate a lesser amount (even $5 helps!) there's a Paypal donation button on the top right hand side of this page. Just click and you can easily make a donation with a credit card or Paypal account.

September 7, 2010

With quilt square number one practically finished and housed in Lewistown at Community Partnerships RC&D for the the week. Focus is now on the next quilt square to be painted and installed. Thanks to the generous donation from the Juniata Quilters' guild, we have the finances to create a second painted quilt square. A group vote will be held at the guild's next meeting, as far as location. My recommendation for the next quilt square site is at the Ranger Station at the Tuscarora State Forest. It is a lovely site, open to the public and one that would encourage quilt trail followers to get out of their vehicles, take a hike, have a picnic or even avail themselves of state forest camping

August 30, 2010

The sticky humid days of August are keeping the first quilt square from drying quickly. Nevertheless I wrestled the two 4' x 8' pieces of 3/4" exterior plywood pieces and brought them to be publicly viewed at the Pennsylvania Canal Day Celebration in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. This was the Community Partnerships RC&D first public showing of the PA Quilt Trails and the reception was quite positive.

Contact was made with a local grange who will now be part of the PA Quilt Trails with their quilt Square (The PA Granges have their own Quilt trails "Heritage Quilt Trail") and I had the opportunity to discuss the potential of another quilt square soon to be announced.

August 23, 2010

Short and sweet weekly blog.

Cats have avoided the quilt square pieces which are now occupying a large part of my living room. I've discovered that red needs four coats of paint as opposed to the green yellow color which was fine at two coats. Pennsylvania humidity is keeping things from drying as fast as I would like. Even with paint tape there will be a need for some touch-up at adjoining lines.

My deadline goal for painting this quilt square-Saturday for Pennsylvania Canal Day celebration at the Lewistown Narrows Canal Park in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania.


Will my goal be met?

Next week the answer to that burning question.

August 17, 2010

PA Quilt Trails' first quilt square is in two sections in my living room and on my porch. Sponsored by the generous and gracious people of Hunters Valley Winery, the quilt pattern "diamond in the square" is in the midst of being painted and assembled this week and part of next.

I thought for this blog installation I could describe the process of the actual construction of a quilt square, at least up to installation, which I will document and share in next week's blog. To make an 8' x 8' quilt square, two 4' x 8' 3/4" exterior plywood pieces are needed. With a set of racket straps I secured the two pieces on the roof of my Volvo x-country, loaded up six pieces of 2" x 4" x 8' boards inside the car besides my dog, Sophie, one gallon of primer, four gallons of paint, two paint brushes and headed home. It wasn't until I was alone with the 4' x 8' plywood pieces and needed to bring then off the roof into the house that I actually got a sense of the size of these quilt squares. With the tenacity of a rabid coyote I brought everything inside (yes by my lonesome!!!) and feeling very butch I set up shop to paint. On the faceside there are two coats of primer and one coat of primer on the backside.

Pennsylvania's humidity and rain is hampering drying a bit-guess optimally this should be done in the fall when central Pa's humidity and rainfall is at its lowest.

Today I will follow the 8" x 8" model I made and draw out the lines and paint the first, lightest color (pale yellow with a tint of green) after taping the lines.

So what have I learned from the first QS? Cover the floor well. Thankfully my living room floor is not finished yet and the white primer splashes only add to the "workshop look" of my floor, get help to remove pieces off the car, have good music on your ipod while painting, avoid painting these pieces in buildings with cats. (I purposefully painted them on their side as my cats will lay on any flat surface not anticipating that Malicia would like to climb up the plywood on its side!)

August 6, 2010

One of the most enjoyable aspects of coordinating the PA Quilt Trails is discovering central Pennsylvania. As a resident of Central PA for a little more than 22 years, I felt I knew my home turf quite well. I have been delightfully surprised to find that this is not at all the case. Example: Last week I needed to go to Hunters Valley Winery to work out some design details for their soon to be hung quilt square. I decided to not bring my usual packed lunch and search out the Spruce Hill Cafe near Port Royal, what I believe is to be the only vegetarian restaurant in the area, the next nearest in either New York City or Philadelphia (please correct me here if I am wrong). Spruce Hill Cafe is located amidst Amish and Mennonite communities in the Tuscarora Valley, some of Pennsylvania's most remote areas. The cafe is tastefully decorated retaining the original early 1900s look and feel from when this eatery was first constructed. The food was simple and tasty and my vegan sloppy Joe sandwich and bean salad filled me up enough that I had to forgo the vegan blueberry pie that was offered to me. As I sat at the vintage Formica table near the open window I could listen to birds and inhale the summer scent in the wind. As I left Spruce Hill and drove a bit down the road I was blessed with the vision of acres and acres of sunflowers, always a treat.

August 2, 2010

Friday I spent a good part of the day checking out potential Quilt Squares with Bronwen Sanders, director of the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, a fantastic historic museum housing buggy artifacts from Mifflinburg's heyday of buggy manufacturing from the late 1800s -early 1900s. We went to four potential sites, all four century barns located on route 45 Mifflinburg in Union county. After evaluating the aesthetics, vehicle pull off-ability and photo op, I have potential decided on a PA Quilt Square barn. As soon as we have sponsorship for this quilt square, designs can be drawn up and the construction and painting process can begin.

Last Friday my boss Larry Schardt and I were invited to the Tuscarora State Forest in Perry County, Pennsylvania. This remote Pennsylvania woods is a camper, hiker, nature lovers dream with over 91 acres of deciduous trees, ferns, streams and mountains. Ranger Gene Odato was a delightful, knowledgeable guide and graciously drove through this wooded paradise. Working in the forest is labor intensive but highly rewarding. Gene and his crew are in the process of planting dogwoods and red bud trees creating a gateway to the forest. We discussed the possibility of several potential quilt square sites the first being at the Fire building at the ranger station, nest to a wildflower garden, weather station and the Forest headquarters.

July 19, 2010

Fairdale Grange Quilt

More news from the PA Quilt Trails. I met with Barbara and Glenn Gross who are coordinating the Heritage Quilt Trail. The Heritage Quilt Trail is a project of the Pennsylvania Granges whose mission statement is "family fraternal organization dedicated to the betterment of rural America through community service, education, legislation, and fellowship." We are trying to work out a partnership between the Granges that fall into our five county region (Juniata, Mifflin,Snyder, Perry and Union).

This is an exciting partnership as Community Partnerships RC&D strive to partner with community organizations in our mission to serve our communities.

July 8, 2010

I am thrilled to post that we have our first quilt square sponsors and sites. After one and a half months of mostly computer and paper work, securing our first quilt squares is a momentous and celebrated event.

The first of the quilt squares will be installed at the Hunters Valley Winery near Liverpool, Pennsylvania. Situated just 1/3 mile off of route 11, I was delighted to encounter a view of the vineyard overlooking the Susquehanna River and its surrounding mountains. Even with high humidity compromising the clarity of the vista, the view from Hunter Mountain Winery was spectacular. After sampling a lovely semi-sweet red wine, I enjoyed the lovely breeze and pictured visitors picnicking on the grounds with their recently purchased bottle of wine, grown, fermented and bottled just a few feet away.

Not much more than twenty minutes away at The Sewing Shanty, in the charming town of Selinsgrove, is the site of our second quilt square . I was delightfully surprised by this shop which is chock full of fabrics and finished sewn and quilted pieces. For the short while I was there, I was inspired and awed by the shop's fabrics and quilts. Shop owner Debbie has a developed eye for interesting colors and patterns. Without exaggeration, I could have spent the entire day there looking through her inventory. Debbie and her brother are creating a wooden quilt together to be displayed in the store window as a memorial to their father. This unique quilt will be made by using various types of wood pieces cut into triangles and squares, forming a Sawtooth quilt pattern to commemorate the years their father spent as an owner of a sawmill. A touching tribute which promises to be beautiful and unique.

July 1, 2010

So it's been a little more than a week and I felt a post was past due updating all about the progress of PA Quilt Trails. The past few weeks I have been using my skills for fundraising a chore not necessarily blog post worthy but nevertheless very necessary for this project.

Most often when people talk about living in rural areas they complain that, "there's nothing to do" and "life here is oh so boring". And sometimes it is boring here. So why should you leave the comfort of your home and make central Pennsylvania a "must see" destination the next time you need to take a break from your routine and go somewhere for a few days? I decided I should play "tourist" and visit the area with fresh eyes and see what the area offers.

Today I went to our local farmer's market. Pennsylvania has a multitude of farmer's markets. Realistically you can find one, during growing season, almost any day of the week (with the exception of Sundays). Lewistown has a market on both Thursdays and Saturdays. Though modest in size, today there was a multitude of options from cooked chicken, berries, cut flowers, corn, honey, tomatoes, potatoes, herbs, baked goods including whoopie pies (A PA favorite!), donuts, cookies, pies and breads. Because of Lewistown's proximity to several Amish and Mennonite communities, the vendors are largely from these two groups. Today there was a duo playing soft rock music which lent a party atmosphere to the market.

If you've never been to a farmer's market it is a great way to immerse oneself in local culture while supporting local economies.

June 24, 2010

Just a quick note about this site and something that can be done to push this project along. Please click on the at the top right of this blog page. For each click, we receive financial compensation which in turn can be used towards our expenses. No purchases necessary just click (and tell a friend, or two, or three...)

S.L.

June 22, 2010

It's been a little over a week since my boss, Larry Schardt and I took the late morning train from Lewistown, PA to Harrisburg. Our trip started with a forty-five minute delay, causing us to question the potential of the train as a possible quilt trail route. Fortunately our time was delightfully spent talking with a young lady and her grandmother who were also waiting for the trail.

The ride is a pleasant one, just a bit over an hour. With the Juniata or Susquehanna rivers to our left side, we passed Amish farms, several small towns and many overgrown areas. Also along the route were many examples of invasive species such as honeysuckle and multi floral roses which though pretty and often fragrant, destroy the potential for native plants to thrive, basically taking over the landscape.

The train depot in Harrisburg has been beautiful restored and is definitely worth the trip. With one hour and fifty minutes until the return train to Lewistown, we met with Bill Sturgis of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and had a great lunch just a few blocks from the station.

Train travel, often overlooked as a potential for travel is relaxing and quite enjoyable. My traveling companion and I enjoyed lots of legroom, and scenic views for the duration of the ride. At one point on the return home we were in fact so comfortable and relaxed that we chatted most of the way forgetting to look at potential quilt trail sites. (sigh)

Well it took the better part of a week to post a new blog but several days "in the field" attending conferences, meetings and train rides wrapped around a weekend, has delayed my best intentions.

Last week I spent the majority of my work day driving from Lewistown, PA. to Lewisburg, PA. looking for potential quilt sites. It was a wet, rainy day and though I was tempted to postpone this trip for a day or so. However, Pennsylvania's weather can be notoriously rainy and I decided to perservere and tour central Pennsylvania amid the raindrops.

Traveling northeast on 522 to Route 104, my first stop was Shade Mountain Winery in Snyder County. Through the mist, I could see sixty-five acres of grape vines across the road from a 19th century converted barn housing a winery, party room and retail shop. Needing a few minutes to dry off I met the propritors and baby Pete who was visiting grandma and grandpa for the day. Being on the clock I didn't feel a full taste-tasting appropriate but curiousity overcame my sense of restraint and a sample of fabulous elderberry wine was imbibed and a bottle of this deliciuos infusion was purchased to be enjoyed at home, on my porch, star gazing with my dog.(Corny, cliche and true.)

Just heading up the road I turned off to a horse and buggy Menonite dairy, specialing in raw milk and cheese production. This family operation is cooperatively managed by two generations of Menonites. I was given a brief tour of the cheese production room and thrilled to find the facilities immaculate.

The rest of the day was full of discoveries: the beautiful architecture of Lewisburg, A delicious authentic Mexican meal in Selinsgrove and lastly an accidental discovery of a covered bridge in Beaver Springs (near the home of Davy Jones of Monkees fame).

June 8, 2010

This week I finally tentatively nailed down six quilt trails for our entire quilt trail system. This was after three weeks of deliberation, compromise and after hours assessment. I often wish I was an "inside of the box thinker" but alas as much as I wish I had straight hair or was taller, there's not much that can be done to change my style of thinking.

Back to the trails.


Trail 1/Rural Fabric Trail
(Mifflin, Juniata, Snyder, Union counties)
This is as close to a trail like many of other Quit Trails have quite nicely designed. By following this trail through the northern tier of our five county region you experience Pennsylvania farm country at its finest. Many Amish communities are throughout this area of rolling hills, forests and rural farming communities.


Trail 2/Crazy Quilt Trail
(Juniata, Perry, Union counties)
This trail will be an artisan trail. 8' x 8' wood squares pieces will be painted and designed by Pennsylvania artists. These mini murals will follow the Susquehanna watershed, intertwining with an artist studio trail already in place along this corridor.


Trail 3/Green Rail Trail
(Lewisburg-Harrisburg)
Unlike many others the Green Trail is viewed from an Amtrak train car. Train leaves Lewistown, PA at 11:09am, arrives in Harrisburg about 2 hours later. There's an hour and fifty minute layover in Harrisburg just enough time for a leisurely walk or lunch. North bound train heads back to Lewistown. Along the route painted quilts will dot the trail route every ten or so miles. Additionally paints and supplies will be used that are sustainable and safe for our environment.



Trail 4/Lewisburg Walking Trail
(Lewisburg)
Lewisburg is a charming town with many historic buildings, restaurants, shops and art galleries. Experience this quilt trail by foot, bicycle, wheelchair or pogostick.



Trail 5/The Larry Schardt Sustainable Agricultural Trail
(Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, Union counties)
Highlighted on this trail are agricultural farms and buissnesses that promote sustainability. See first hand created wetlands, contour and no till farming, and local CSAs.


Trail 6/Discovering Small Town Trails
(Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, Union counties)
Connecting rural towns, this trail travels through five counties.

June 2, 2010

Amish Haystacks
Allensville, PA

Still processing some of the sights of last week, I decided this week that I needed to stay somewhat office bound to get some design work accomplished. A logo for the Quilt Trails project needs to be designed, detailed maps acquired and a basic information packet compiled. My background in graphic design is a bonus although way back when I studied graphic design at Pratt University (New York City ) as well as at Penn State, personal computers were not available and everything had to be cut and pasted by hand. Today many years later, programs like Adobe Illustrator expands an individual's ability in creation, as well as production.

Additionall, this week, I need to get detailed county street maps which are available through Penndot (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation). Last night by taping several Mapquest pages together I was able to determine the areas of my proposed four basic trails. If all goes according to my plans, there will be two traditional quilt square trails passing through the farm lands of Mifflin, Union and Snyder counties, much of which are largely Amish enclaves. The rail trail running from Lewistown (Mifflin County) through Perry County to Harrisburg (Dauphin County) will also feature traditional quilt square patterns. The fourth trail will be art squares created by state artists via a juried art show, complimenting an already existing art trail. This proposed trail will run along the west side of the Susquehanna River from just north of Harrisburg in Duncannon north to Lewisburg (Union County).

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.

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.