If you are looking for an excuse for a road trip head out to discover the grassroots movement of barn quilts. A form of American folk art barn quilts are painted wood or metal squares that decorate barns. They have been around for hundreds of years but over the past few decades have taken on a life of their own with tens of thousands waiting to be found. The huge quilt squares scream, “Notice me”. They allow us to stop and appreciate the charm of textured rustic structures. They give personality to newer prefabricated industrial metal buildings popping up throughout America’s rural landscapes.
While many traditional sewn quilts are about the repetition of the pattern barn quilts focus on appreciating the pattern of one square. Simple geometric shapes are painted with bright colors so they stand out while driving by. Similar to sewn quilts some are handmade and some are store bought and the block patterns typically have meanings. They could be historical, cultural, represent family patterns, showcase artistic interpretation or contain regional or community references. Some might just be a pattern the barn owner liked.
There are a couple of ways to explore barn quilts. We chose the more casual style with no planning involved. We avoided major freeways in the heartland and viewed the landscape as an outdoor museum. We discovered barn quilts by surprise and screamed with excitement when we spotted them. Another option is to follow a barn quilt trail map that are made available online or through visitor’s centers throughout the country (and Canada). Most trails are driving tours but some could be experienced walking or biking. There are also guided tours hosted by cultural museums where expert guides offer the inside scoop on each quilt.
Barn quilts transform new and old barns, family and industrial farms into experiences that allow us to slow down and discover a place that somebody cares enough about to decorate.
