Learn about barn quilts, trail, at Jan. 23 meeting

Barn Quilts of Central Minnesota will hold an information meeting Monday, Jan. 23, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Staples Community Center.

Anyone interested in how to make a barn quilt and how to become part of the barn quilt trail are encouraged to attend.

Lisa Kajer and Mary Noska will explain the process for creating a barn quilt from choosing the correct board, paint and design. Pam Collins will talk about what to consider when choosing colors.   

The organization is specifically seeking people interested in making a 4 ft. by 4 ft. or an 8 ft. by 8 ft. barn quilt to be added to the Barn Quilts of Central Minnesota trail. However, Kajer added they will consult with and advise anyone who wants to make a barn quilt, whether it first with their project or not.

To be on the trail the quilt must be able to be seen from a public road or highway in Todd, Wadena, Cass or Morrison counties near Staples and Motley.

Kajer noted that the barn quilt does not necessarily have to be on a building. Depending on the location, it can be attached to a fence or mounted on posts. 

Applications will be available at the meeting. Eight to ten applications will be chosen to receive some reimbursement toward the cost of the quilt. 

Committee members will meet with successful applicants to inspect the possible locations and discuss installation. Once the quilt is painted and mounted, the committee will inspect the project again before the stipend is released.

Projects will be accepted for possible reimbursement on a first come, first served basis. 

One of the goals of Barn Quilts of Central Minnesota is to have an economic impact on the area. Specific statistics are not available but the organizers have plenty of anecdotal evidence from other trails in the state. 

“The Central Minnesota Barn Quilt Trail is an amazing asset that Lisa and Mary are bringing to the area,” said Melissa Radermacher, director of the Staples Economic Development Authority. “This type of work impacts the community by drawing interest and visitors to our area. When visitors come to our community they eat at the local restaurants, get gas at the local gas stations and maybe stop in for a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop, all which helps our businesses and community thrive.”

Kajer said when the committee visited the Swedish Barn Quilt Trail in east central Minnesota, they were told about people also visiting restaurants, gas stations and shops while in the area. 

She also said a woman started her own tour company after seeing the popularity of the Carver County Barn Quilt Trail. The Carver County organization also pursued their own marketing materials, such as coffee mugs.

A group in Iowa noted they had no idea how many people their trail would bring to their county. 

Barn Quilts of Central Minnesota also has begun a barn quilt trail for businesses featuring 2 ft. by 2 ft. quilts.  

For more information about the organization see http://barnquiltsmn.org. 

For more information about the meeting contact Lisa Kajer at 218-894-2096.

This project is being sponsored by the Staples Motley Area Arts Council and is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Five Wings Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Fund.