100790 - Women Impact Virginia: The Literacy of Quilts in Appalachia
Overview
Women Impact Virginia: The Literacy of Quilts in Appalachia
Join us as we create our own custom barn quilts with Damascus Barn Quilt Creations, and listen to speakers Amy D. Clark, Ph.D. and Jessica Swencki speak about the history and traditions of women in the Appalachian region.
Featured Barn Quilt Design: "Morning Star"
The featured barn quilt design is the Virginia State Quilt Block, which was part of a historic series first published in Hearth & Home magazine in the early 1900's. Each state was represented by a unique quilt block submitted by readers, and Virginia's design is often referred to as the Morning Star.
Participants should plan to spend several hours completing their barn quilt. All materials are provided. No experience is needed!
Location Information
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center - Room 103
One Partnership Circle
Abingdon, VA 24210
Agenda/Schedule
9:00 am Amy D. Clark, PhD: The Literacy of Quilts in Appalachia
9:30 am Jessica Swencki: The History of Barn Quilts
10:00 am Barn Quilt Painting Workshop
12:00 pm Lunch (Ladybug Cafe)
1:00 - 2:00 pm Barn Quilt Painting Workshop
Speaker(s)/Instructor(s)
SPEAKERS BIOS:
Amy D. Clark, PhD, UVA Wise – Co-Director, Center for Appalachian Studies
Author – Talking Appalachian: Voice, Identity, and Community
Amy’s talk will explore case studies of how Appalachian women used quilts to teach literacies, including mathematics (arithmetic and geometry), art (the arrangement of textures and colors), history (events, family celebrations and mournings), and spelling (family names, places, and events). Other traditions that incorporate literacy include cooking, planting and harvesting, recipe books, and spiritual life.
Jessica Swencki, Fig Tree Flower Farm
Jessica will share the history of barn quilt making, from its early roots of European immigrants who brought the tradition to Pennsylvania around 300 years ago. Barn quilts have historically been used to identify barns and families, and also as road markers. She will also share the story of the inspiration behind Fig Tree Flower Farm.