As I have ridden around Wisconsin and Southeast Minnesota I have seen numerous unique pieces of art called “barn quilts.”
These are painted on the side of a barn and made to look like a quilt (thus the name). Each is different and has its own unique look depending on the painter and owner of the barn. It is really enjoyable to round a curve or top a hill on a rural roadway and see an actual piece of art on the side of a barn.
After extensive, exhaustive research (I googled it) I discovered barn quilts started in 2001 when Donna Groves of Adams County, Ohio wanted to do something to honor her mother, Maxine, and Maxine’s quilting art so she painted a quilt block on her tobacco barn. It was a big hit and others took up the idea. If you’d like to read more and see more photos of barn quilts you can do your own extensive research (google it). There are even sites that will lead you to groups that will paint and mount a barn quilt for you if you are so inclined. I’m sure my town home HOA wouldn’t allow it.
They are, apparently, popular throughout many farming parts of the country so if you are riding rural areas make sure to look for the quilts. I have included photos of four of my favorites.
