Barn Quilts

One of my resolutions for this year is to get out and explore something new.
Several times over the past few months I have noticed an increase in barn quilts in my area, so I decided to do a little research.

The history of the American Barn Quilt can be traced back about 300 years ago with the arrival of immigrants from Europe; Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

It is widely believed that barn painting originated in Pennsylvania which spread to New England and many Midwestern states. Paint was considered expensive in those days so painting a decorative and distinctive quilt pattern on their barns was a wonderful way of allowing for decoration. It also became a way for travelers to find particular families or cross roads. A primitive version of GPS.

Paint became less costly around the mid 1800’s and at this point barn painting became an actual trade with many local artisans. These artists combined many folk designs as well as specific geometric patterns from quilt squares: Four Patch, Bear claw, Mariners compass and Drunkards path.

Decorating barns with colorful designs and quilt squares peaked by the beginning of the 20th century and slowly gave way to a more pragmatic form of barn painting; advertising. Gone were the colorful quilts and in their place came ads for Red Man Chewing Tobacco, Daisy Flour, and Mail Pouch. Many of these barn ads can still be seen today.

Today barn quilts are becoming popular once again. Quilt trails have been developed in many states. After a number of barn quilts have been displayed in an area, a map is developed that guides the viewers to the location. The map will have an address, maybe a picture of the square and a name or explanation of its meaning. A few of the states that have developed quilt trails include, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa and of course, my home town of LeRoy, New York.
A Link to their information and trail guide can be found here;
LeRoy Barn Quilts
As an artist this historical revelation has inspired me both intrinsically and creatively. It has opened my mind to the many inspirations that lie in my own backyard.