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.