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| An astrological quilt pattern handed down in the family for several generations. |
| Photo submitted by Arts Guild Member |
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Members of the Carlisle-based Courthouse Square Arts Guild placed two dozen quilt-design banners along the streets of Carlisle last week.
“We wanted to find someway of benefiting the downtown area by using art. We appreciate the mayor allowing us to do this,” said Robert Barker as he helped place the banners along the streets of the town. Barker is a member of the Guild and is the executive director of the Artcroft Creative Center of Carlisle.
Placement of the banners represents several months of work from Guild members, who began with the concept of painting quilt squares onto the cloth banners in January.
A variety of designs and shapes are found on each of the banners and all have special and personal meanings to the artist who painted them.
“Farmers are the backbone of the area,” Regina Barnes said as she placed one of her banners along Main Street. “We need to pat the farmers on the back for everything they do. I grew up being influenced by farm life.”
The particular banner Barnes was discussing has an early model tractor painted in the center of the design.
Aimee Hughes painted one of the intricate designs from an astrological quilt pattern handed down in the family for several generations.
The Guild is striving to bring art to the forefront of the public’s perception.
“We want the community to be more aware of art,” said Juanita Hunt. “Art can be a lot more than painting.”
Hunt has been painting for several years and completed five of the banners.
Louise Zachary, Carol Powers, Larry Mitchell and other Guild members also painted banners and helped place them along the streets of Carlisle.
Carlisle Mayor Ronnie Clark extended his appreciation to the group, and said the move was a positive step for increasing the visual beauty of downtown Carlisle.
“I think this is a very worthwhile effort,” Clark said.
Clark also praised members of the Rotary Club for placing American flags along the streets of Carlisle to honor the members of local National Guard unit that was recently deployed.
“We’ll be doing more in the future to highlight downtown.” Clark said “I’d like to see some of the windows in some of the upper level buildings in the downtown area have some nice displays.”
Members of the Guild were excited about displaying their works along the streets in the downtown area, and they say they are further excited about the upcoming Heritage Quilt Show July 2-7 at the Neal Building.
Members encourage everyone who wishes to display a family quilt to contact them at their earliest convenience.
The mission of the Art Guild is to provide a wide variety of opportunities to area artists and crafters. This is achieved by exhibitions, art education, marketing support, community-wide appreciation, activities and supportive relationships with fellow artists.
Members of the Guild meet on the first Monday of each month at 5 p.m., at the lower level of the Nicholas County Library.
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