SYCAMORE – Barns and quilts are not something that most people associate with each other. However, there are a few quilt blocks displayed on the sides of barns in DeKalb County. In Greene County, Wis., barn quilts have become so popular they are a tourist attraction. Kris Winkler and Lynn Lokken will talk about their role in this project during the Sycamore History Museum’s program “Barn Quilts” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 8.
Wisconsin’s Green County started with a dozen barn quilts in 2008, and as the project has grown, so has the interest from both leisure and bus group travelers. Using a map in the Green County Visitor Guide, travelers can plan their own loop tours on the scenic back roads. Along the way, they’ll see working farms, “retired” farms and a variety of animals, all while keeping an eye out for the colorful quilts — essentially an outdoor art exhibit with an agricultural backdrop.
Winkler and Lokken, the chairpersons of the committee, will discuss the evolution of the project – how it got started, selecting patterns and painting quilts, and installation – and how the quilt inventory has grown to more than 125.
“We are very excited to host these women. Barn quilts is a topic that several people have expressed interest in, and as is grows in popularity we are looking forward to sharing this concept with our community,” said history museum executive director Michelle Donahoe.
“Another fun part of the evening includes selected vintage quilts created by local quilters, several which have never been publicly displayed,” she said.