Roane County Quilt Designs To Be Part of American Quilt Exhibit
Tuesday July 21, 2009
Kingston, TN - The Appalachian Quilt Trail (AQT) will be winding through Roane County soon but not before taking a detour at the Knoxville Museum of Art in Knoxville. Bryan Wilkerson, Art Professor, Roane State Community College, has submitted four painted quilt squares to be displayed at the museum through August 23, 2009 coinciding with the American Quilter's Society International Expo being held at the Knoxville Convention Center July 22-25. Historical information about each quilt design and about the Appalachian Quilt Trail will also be part of the exhibit. Following the exhibit at the museum the squares will make their way for their final exhibition - on the side of prominent buildings in Roane County.
The AQT project not only celebrates Appalachian culture but also encourages economic development in the region by promoting sustainable tourism. A series of painted quilts, showcasing the rich history and artistry of quilting, make up the trail leading visitors on a scenic and sometimes unexpected adventure. Local businesses and galleries; historical sites and landmarks, and of course, barns, are part of the Appalachian Quilt Trail. There are already hundreds of painted quilt squares throughout Appalachia and more than 300 beautifully painted quilt blocks displayed across the state.
"Even if it's close to home, the Appalachian Quilt Trail is miles from ordinary - and truly Tennessee," says Bryan Wilkerson, so he chose Roane County's first four quilt designs for their significance to Tennessee, with two of them having ties directly to Roane County. The quilt squares, measuring a looming eight feet, were all hand-painted by community members and volunteers from Roane County. All materials were donated by Lowe's in Harriman. One of the designs, a copy taken from the original "Randolph Family Pattern" brought here from Virginia, includes twelve hundred yards of thread quilted by expert quilter Amanda Taylor, of Rockwood. It will be displayed at Yonder Hollow in downtown Rockwood. Another design -- "Basket of Scraps"-- according to American Patchwork Quilts, by Lenice Ingram Bacon, was sewn by the Blair Sisters in 1880 who resided on a farm close to Kingston in what was then called Barnardsville. It will be located at the Roane Alliance building which houses the visitor's bureau. The remaining quilt designs, Tennessee Sampler and Sunburst, will be located at the Roane State Expo Center and Rocky Top General Store, respectively.
"I am very thrilled with the work that Bryan and Roane State has done to spearhead this trail for Roane County," says Pam May, Manager of Tourism & Marketing, Roane Alliance, "Being a part of the Appalachian Quilt Trail and building on its success should be a very good thing for this county for years to come." If you would like to learn more about the AQT or becoming a part of the Roane County trail please call the Roane Alliance at (865) 376-4201 or visit www.vacationAQT.com.
