Barn Quilts of McLeod County

We are pleased to introduce our newest Partner Organization, Barn Quilts of McLeod County.

Executive Director, Lisa Bergh sat down with the group to discuss their mission and plans. The energy of the group is exciting. We are certain you will be intrigued and excited by their vision.

LB: First, can you explain what a Barn Quilt is?

BQMC: Sure, a Barn Quilt is a large piece of sign board or aluminum composite that is painted to look like a quilt block. Even though the name implies the entire quilt is painted on to it, it generally is only a single quilt block. The size varies depending on placement or structure it is put on.  After they are painted these barn quilts are hung on the exterior of a barn, house, garage, deck, outbuilding, etc. The majority of barn quilts are most often comprised of simple geometric shapes.  The shape and vibrancy of colors make these blocks easily seen from a distance.

LB:What inspired you to create Barn Quilts of McLeod County?

BQMC: The rapidly growing movement of Barn Quilt Trails across the United States, with a beginning in Ohio, along with a class taken 6 years ago, gave the desire to establish a trail in Hutchinson and eventually McLeod County.

LB: Arts Tourism/Economy is a big part of building a vibrant and desirable community to live, work, AND visit. How do you see your work serving the community?

BQMC: It is the intention of the group to involve the community in creating and displaying quilts. We will also promote the project to drive tourism to our already inviting community and enhance the arts in our hometown.

LB: Starting an arts group is exciting and takes a lot of planning. What is your mission and what goals has the group set for the next 12 to 18 months?

BQMC: Our mission is to begin with a trail through our downtown community.  We kicked this off with an event at the 2018 McLeod County Fair, generating interest and excitement for the project. Barn Quilts painted at the Fair by several groups and individuals will hang on buildings in the Fairgrounds. Beyond the downtown area the hope is to grow adding residences and trails throughout McLeod County displaying on the many unique barns throughout the countryside.  We are fortunate to include many century farms and generational farm sites in our area.

LB: What are the benefits of becoming a HCA Partner Organization?

BQMC: Partnering with the Center for the Arts will give this project exposure, valuable information to promote and define our mission as a new venture in the community, expertise in accomplishing tasks to provide funding and other needed elements to move the project forward.

LB: Well, I am thrilled to have your energy in the art community. How can community members support your efforts and/or become involved?

BCMC: Our founding committee is headed by Cynthia Buchholz.  Cynthia of Bittersweet Barn Quilt Co. has been involved as an instructor for 4 years traveling throughout Minnesota holding classes that have reached over 600 persons. We would welcome volunteers to help us organize and launch the quilt trail. The committee meets monthly at the Hutchinson Center for the Arts. Of course, we are looking for host sites to display quilts too. More information is available by contacting Cynthia at [email protected]

If you would like to make a financial contribution you can easily do that via the Art Center website or mail a check to the art center with a note you would like to allocate the gift to Barn Quilts of Mcleod County .