Patchwork quilts are the popular quilts of North America – the ones that pieced together smaller scraps of fabric into complex patterns called "quilt blocks." These symbols can be traced to ancient symbols that pop up in almost every culture with various interpretations – such as the eight-pointed star – and were passed from generation to generation without formal names or crafting instructions. Other patchwork patterns in North America were only named and identified beginning in the 1800's.

Since then, quilting has brought together creatives for community-driven Quilting Bees, for fundraising for the Red Cross during WW2, for activist efforts like the AIDS Memorial Quilt, for Lakota resistance of colonization and reclaimed identity from settlement schools, and so much more!

In the geographic and cultural region of Appalachia – a place with a complex history of governmental abandonment, exploitation and stereotype – the scrappy craft of quilting holds extra meaning.

The Athens Quilt Trail project takes inspiration and pays homage in particular to the Quilt Barn Movement started by Donna Sue Groves, an Appalachian Ohioan.

A quilt barn is a barn that features a large quilt block square painted or attached to the side of a barn with the purpose of the quilt block being seen as people drive past.

Originally crafted in 2001 by Donna Sue Groves, the first quilt block was a testament to Groves’ talented quilting mother. More quilt blocks began popping up, soon donning 16,000 barns across more than 300 organized trails draping the United States. Thirty Ohio counties feature quilt barns that are interconnected by the Quilt Barn Trail.

Quilt Barn trails empower rural communities to grab the attention of folks that tend to just “pass through,” emphasizing the natural beauty and community charm of the often overlooked and under-appreciated.

This extends to underserved causes and people as well. From the misunderstood region of Appalachia where this movement originated, to the Trail of Tears Quilt Barn Trail and more, this movement reimagines the meaning and purpose of quilting beyond fiber.

Originally created as a labor of love for family, women’s artistry and the Appalachian community, quilt barn trails are now cited to bring tourism and tourist dollars into the region, engage people in their communities, and promote local culture and history.

And that's what this project – The Athens Quilt Trail – wants to do without needing to drive quilt stop to quilt stop. In the historic downtown Athens, Ohio, you can walk to each quilt stop located in local businesses, the interactive art works drawing attention to our local artists, business owners and YOU!

This project honors Grove’s work, the arts and culture of Appalachian Ohio, and the community of Athens Ohio.