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Following the Arkansas Quilt Trail
Twist on time-honored tradition connecting counties, attracting visitors
Story By Holland Doran AAC Communications Coordinator
Most southerners can recognize a quilt. Many have received them as colorful, cozy gifts from a grandmother or loved one that honors the past or tells a story.
The art of making quilts from fabric is centuries old. Today, however, not all quilts can be found resting on a chair or folded in a chest. They are taking the form of paintings on wood canvases, which are then placed on barns, historic buildings, and other significant places, creating a patchwork of local history through Arkansas’ counties.
These roadside works of art are part of Arkansas Quilt Trails network, which is part of a growing national trend to share history and create sight-seeing destinations through painted quilts.
Stone County resident and Arkansas Trails Volunteer Coordinator Renee Carr began working to get Arkansas counties involved by enlisting volunteers across the state. Thirty-four counties now have a volunteer who oversees their county’s program.
“It’s a very grassroots organization that relies on people that take an interest in their county and want to see this as something they can be proud of in their county,” Carr said.
Carr and a friend started Arkansas’ painted quilt trend in Stone County before it became an organized, state-wide effort.
“Me and a friend of mine had seen these trails elsewhere and thought Stone County would be a fun place to do that,” Carr said. “So, she and I worked and created the Stone County trail. And then it kind of grew organically to the counties contiguous to us — Van Buren, Searcy — they were the next two. Then, Perry got on board, then Baxter.”
The quilts enhance Arkansas’ natural beauty, and they also create an opportunity to tell visitors about Arkansas’ people, places, and even the quilting tradition.
“Arkansas Quilt Trails began as a way of preserving local history while beautifying our communities for residents and visitors
The “Dogwood Blossom” quilt is displayed at the Dogwood Hills Guest Farm off of Hwy. 14 in Harriet, Searcy County. It’s created by Jack Benefiel.
alike,” Carr said.
These art attractions also boost Arkansas’ rural economies.
“It’s bringing travelers to the counties, and a lot of times they’re staying overnight, they’re eating at the cafes and restaurants, and they’re shopping in the shops,” Carr said.
Visiting the quilts has been a very pandemic-friendly activity, Carr said.
“You can just get in your car and drive, and you might hit a gas stop and drive thru food stop.”
The Arkansas Trail of Quilts is not only for adults; it has attracted young people, too.
In Mississippi County, which just recently joined the trails, several schools are creating a quilt to commemorate the Arkansas Sesquicentennial in 1986.
“It’s nice to see that kind of
collaborating among schools,” Carr said.
To be considered part of the Arkansas Trail of Quilts, each participating county must create 12 blocks or quilt panels, and the design patterns must be approved by the county coordinator and Carr’s state committee. Each submission must also include a story behind the quilt.
Once the pattern is accepted, the quilt’s creators sign an agreement allowing promotion of the new location on the website.
Visit ArkansasQuiltTrails.com or call 870-615-2195 for more information.
The “Foshee Family Flock” quilt is displayed in Amity, Pike County. It’s created by Jackie Beck. The “Crown of Thorns” quilt is displayed on a barn located off Quarry Road in Violet Hill, Izard County. It’s created by Claudia Whitman.
The “Dresden Plate” quilt, created by Glenda Osten, hangs on the Meeting Place building at the Wildflower Bed & Breakfast in Mountain View, Stone County.
Right: The “French Star with Eiffel Tower” quilt hangs in Paris, Logan County. Right, middle: Jefferson County’s “Mimi’s Garden” quilt is displayed on the property of Lazy V Farm in Pine Bluff. Far right: Baxter County’s “When Pigs Fly” quilt hangs in Midway, Baxter County.
