A spring exhibit of colorful quilts will fill the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library this month and next. The public is invited to an exhibit reception at noon Tuesday, March 12. The free event will include a presentation by Rita Williams about the Buttahatchee Barn Quilt Trail.
“The exhibit is something we do during Pilgrimage every year, so that people coming to our town can enjoy this beautiful work as well as enjoying the tours and other Pilgrimage activities,” said Brenda Durrett, library event coordinator.
Quilts on display through April 26 are made by area quilters from Lowndes and surrounding counties.
Williams was pivotal to the development of the Buttahatchee Barn Quilt Trail that now boasts 107 barn quilts — quilt patterns painted on wood, mounted on barns and buildings in Lowndes and Monroe Counties.
“I’ll talk about how we got started, and we’re going to bring some samples,” said Williams who became interested in barn quilts after seeing several on tobacco barns in Kentucky en route to a quilt show. Her enthusiasm sparked a movement and the development of the agritourism trail that continues to expand.
“I bought a book at that quilt show to show me how to make them. I came back, made one, and then two, and that turned into 50 over the next four years,” laughed Williams, who also conducts community barn quilt workshops.
“We invite anyone interested in quilting, or in barn quilts, to come join us to hear Rita Williams share her knowledge,” said Durrett. “Come and share your ideas with other quilters and make new friends. Barn quilt trails are popping up everywhere. Pick up a Buttahatchee Barn Quilt Trail self-guided brochure and take the trip with your friends to discover their beauty.”
For more information, contact Durrett at 662-329-5304 or email [email protected].
IF YOU GO:
WHO: Columbus-Lowndes Public Library
WHAT: Free quilt exhibit reception and barn quilt trail talk
WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, noon
WHERE: Library, 314 Seventh St. N., Columbus
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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