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Rock County barn quilts to show off rural heritage

ROCK COUNTY — Trails long have been blazed through Rock County, but this one will be different — and more colorful.

The Barn Quilts of Rock County Committee is in the process of organizing a tour of barn paintings modeled after the brightly colored quilts that have kept rural families warm for generations.

Committee members said they hope to have 50 to 100 quilts installed on barns within the next two years.

The group’s goal is to create a trail similar to those in place in Walworth and Green counties. The art will reflect Rock County’s rural heritage.

“The trail will connect the corners of the county with unique quilts — some from the public domain, and others of original design — and will be a blend of rural and urban Rock County heritage,” said Ronna Morton-Ballmer, a tour organizer and barn quilts committee member. “The emphasis of the quilt trail should reflect the beautiful barns that characterize the countryside, and provide history and insight to the rhythm of Rock County, as reflected through the deep rural roots of Rock County.”

Morton-Ballmer said the quilt-trail idea was born in 2001 in Ohio when a woman painted a quilt block on a tobacco barn to honor her mother, who was an avid quilter.

Since then, projects have cropped up around the country, with patterns displayed on the sides of barns. Many have a story behind them, paying tribute to someone or something.

The quilts also are expected to help draw tourists to the area, organizers said.

“We’re hoping that this will not only include people who enjoy these barns, but also bring people into our community,” said committee member Jeanette Beard, who helps paint the quilt squares in her Milton garage.

Beard said squares will be painted until Oct. 1; the rest of the orders from area farms will be filled next spring.

Read the full story in the e-edition of The Janesville Messenger, HERE.