Nicole - Staff writer/photographer, Communications, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation®

Farm Bureau women share folk-art tradition with series of barn quilt painting classes
PALMYRA—Patience is the only prerequisite for creating a dazzling barn quilt. No barn required.
Barn quilts are a form of folk art posted on structures across Virginia’s rural communities, with patterns historically tied to a family or local heritage. To share this piece of Americana with the public and support local youth, Fluvanna County Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee hosts an annual series of barn quilt painting classes.  Classic quilt patterns are drafted with geometric precision, while the imaginative color story of each square can break every rule.  “Several painters can work on the same pattern, and none of them look alike by the end of the class,” said committee member Cheryl Falvella. “They pick different colors and end up with variations you didn’t expect.”

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These day-long workshops attract painters to Central Virginia from across the state and beyond. Mother-daughter duo Gail and Justine Belschner of Maryland are enthusiasts of regional barn quilt trails, and learned about the class in a Facebook group called Barn Quilt Addicts.  “I was looking for a class in Maryland, but this popped up,” Gail said. “This is our first
time trying and it has been a wonderful experience.”

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Each pattern is pre-drafted on aluminum composite material. The lines are a guide for placing FrogTape before applying each color of latex paint, blown dry between coats.  “The taping process is very important,” said committee member Sandy Hopkins. “Really press down on it to get clean lines.”  She has long admired the intricate artistry of fabric quilts.  “But I hate sewing!” Hopkins said. “So, this is a good compromise. You are only limited by your imagination. You don’t have to know how to paint, you just need to want to paint.”

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Barn quilts traditionally decorated barns across the countryside, but modern iterations are placed on fences, mailboxes, house facades, garages and sheds, or as interior décor on walls or quilt ladders.

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Ann

Hello my name is Ann and as of November the 11th...I'm an addict.

Our time in class flew by and my daughter and I thoroughly ENJOYED this class.  Everyone, from the instructors to the other participants, were very nice and knowledgeable.

 

JoAnn

Loved the fellowship everyone so nice, welcoming and helpful.  Great organization and everyone is set up for a  successful barn quilt experience. 

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Peg

My daughter and I loved the class! Appreciated all the choices of patterns and colors, and the instructors were great.

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Vicki

I absolutely love the BQ classes.  I love the friendships made and learning BQ is such fun. I would love more classes. 

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Devon

Thank you all so much for all your help and it was amazing sharing this experience with you all. Looking forward to the next time.

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Dosha

It was a fun day and the barn quilts turned out beautifully!

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Linda

Thank you to you & all the other volunteers for a great class.  Thank you for all the prep time that made the class go smoothly. I am interested in another class.

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Shawn

You guys were super organized and did a great job lending help as needed. Loved seeing the displays and seeing ideas for others. Thanks so much. Y’all did a great job. 

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Susan

It was a lot of fun and a great result

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Candace

Everyone was nice and supportive. I never felt like I didn’t know what I was doing (even though I didn’t!!). 

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Polly

I really did enjoy this class, I could see myself getting addicted to it quickly.  Someday when I retire it will definitely become my hobby. 

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Pat

I enjoyed every part of the barn quilt class!  The entire class was well planned from the warm greeting we received when we arrived to the pictures taken of us with our completed boards at the end of class. I was guided step by step by the teachers in the class. This was my first experience with this craft, and I needed lots of help!  The materials we needed were prepared and ready.  I was thrilled at how my project turned out.  I will definitely plan on attending another barn quilt class.