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Continuing the momentum of its “Life is GREAT on Highway 8!” campaign, the Chisago Lakes Area Community Foundation is developing a barn quilt trail.  Barn quilts are colorful quilt block patterns painted on 2, 4, or 8-foot wood squares.   The first barn quilts in America were created in 2001, in Ohio.  Since then, barn quilt trails can be found in 29 states.  

The “Old Swedish Barn Quilt Trail” will debut in the Chisago Lakes area in the spring. The local foundation plans to install 8-foot barn quilt squares in each of the five cities along the Highway 8 corridor in Minnesota.  The foundation has requested funding from each of the cities’ Economic Development authority, and matching funds were committed by the Chisago County EDA.  Earlier this year the foundation received a $500 contribution from Recycled Wardrobes, proceeds from the annual Prom Dress fundraiser.  This contribution was given by Deanna Alsaker in appreciation for last year’s Highway 8 Chairs project. Brenda Palmquist, CLACF board member, said, “It provided the impetus for moving      forward with another project to create a sense of community pride, while increasing business and tourism.  Similar to the Highway 8 Chairs project, the Barn Quilt Trail will heighten awareness of our Swedish heritage, and showcase the talents of local artists.  The Barn Quilt Trail is not a fundraising project.  The quilts are intended to last 8-10 years, so will provide a very friendly and welcoming feel in our area for the next several years.”

Local resident Dave Oaks has designed and painted barn quilts for the past few years, and some are on display on barns in Chisago County and in Rice, MN.  His works have been displayed at the Almelund and NowThen Threshing Shows and at Albany Pioneer Days.  Oaks is designing the 8-foot squares for each of the cities.  He has already completed the pattern layout for one of the large quilt squares, and is applying the paint and finishing touches.   The plan is to have 20-25 4-foot barn quilts displayed at local businesses and historic sites in 2015, and a total of 40 barn quilts when the project is completed in 2015. Oaks has already constructed the first ten 4-foot squares on marine grade plywood, and applied a base coat.  

The foundation is seeking local artists to select a quilt pattern, complete the design layout and apply paint.   Once the artwork is completed, and display locations are established, a brochure/map will be created for the self-guided tour.  Photos of each of the quilts will be placed on a website, along with information about each design, the artist, and the sponsoring business or organization.  The website will also provide project update/news, describe the history of Swedish quilts and information about barn quilts in America.

Artists interested in designing and painting a barn quilt square should contact an Old Swedish Barn Quilt Trail committee member for more information:  Noel Stensrud (651 257-3245), Brenda Palmquist (651 208-6793) or Lou Ann Mattson (651 257-6270).  For updates on the Old Swedish Barn Quilt project, please visit www.clac-foundation.com.  Or visit  www.barnquiltsbyoaksy.com for more information about barn quilt designer Dave Oaks. 

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