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.