Our goal is to make an artistic contribution to communities and piece them together "one square at a time." At one time quilts were born of necessity – keeping families warm and comfortable on cold nights. As time passed and more materials were available, the quilts became cherished heirlooms. Barn Quilts are much the same – they are a statement, a symbol of identity whether you are a traditionali
st or prefer a more modern twist. Renee and I spent nearly 17 years living in Winston-Salem, NC. After a family member became quite ill in 2007 we moved back to our beautiful mountains in Ashe County, NC. The Ashe County Arts Council had recently completed the Ashe Art Barn Quilt Project and we fell in love with their vibrancy. Renee, a graphics artist, wanted a small barn quilt to add to one of our storage buildings and when we couldn’t find what we she was looking for she painted her first quilt. The result was amazing, neighbors told friends and friends told neighbors and suddenly we were in business. We operated the Quilt Square Girls as a hobby until 2011 when we decided to try it full time. Since then we have painted over 1000 barn quilts and shipped them all over the United States. It has been an amazing journey and this year we have moved from our home studio to a small retail location in West Jefferson, NC. Yes, we are DOWN TOWN. We have wonderful Facebook friends that we have dubbed our “Barn Quilt Family,” and strong support from the Ashe County Arts Council and the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce. Our customers have become our dearest friends and some of our most meaningful projects have been memorial quilts for those who have lost loved ones. We have found over time that Barn Quilts aren’t just for barns anymore as our customers have placed them on homes, porches, gazebos and yes, even inside their homes as part of their décor. One gentleman, whose job required him to move to the city, even has one in his office on an easel to remind him of his mountain home. Ashe County was hit hard, as many were, with a struggling economy but has once again found its footing with a strong arts community and is the home of many fine painters, photographers, musicians, writers and crafts people. The beauty of the mountains is only surpassed by the courage and creativity of the individuals who live here and now we are a strong and thriving arts community with visitors from all over the world. Our hope is that one day, long after we are gone, our sons will be driving somewhere in this beautiful country of ours and see a dazzling quilt hanging on someone’s barn and say “Hey, my mom painted that.” That, my friends, is living the Barn Quilt life. You may also visit our website at ilovebarnquilts.com
As printed in "The Country Register"
