"Quilts on Barns" on Display in Racine County

Racine County is known for its industrial heritage and it’s convenient Lake Michigan location between Chicago and Milwaukee.  But, it has a rich agricultural history as well.  

Classic Wisconsin barns dot the landscape- all the way from the shadow of the Wind Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline to the quaint rustic roads in the western parts of the county. 

Fifteen specially selected barns have been chosen for the first year of the Racine County Quilts on Barns project.  The eight foot by eight foot quilt pattern blocks that adorn each barn is visible from the road. You will find a roadside sign with the name of the quilt block, the sponsor of that location and the local, non-profit group that painted it. 

The goal of the project is to:

1. Highlight the unique architecture and history of barns and other significant buildings in our county. By drawing attention to these assets we hope to encourage the preservation of these structures for future generations.        

2. Highlight and drive business to our ag-tourism based businesses

3. Highlight Racine County’s rich quilting tradition.

4. Promote quilting as a form of art.

While the project is sponsored by the Racine Arts Council, Racine County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Racine Heritage Museum and Racine County, hundreds of individuals and numerous groups, ranging from scout groups to quilting guilds are involved in the project.

And, this is just the start....Fifteen additional barns will be selected in 2009 and a final fifteen will be added in 2010 to bring the total number to at least 45 locations.

Download the map today by clicking here.

Go to the official website at: www.quiltsonbarns.com.