During fall 2024 and spring 2025, the Taylor County Family and Consumer Science Agent, Kimberly Thomas, hosted 10 Barn Quilt classes at the Taylor County Extension Office. Sixty-eight enthusiastic participants attended the classes and created their own individual works of art. Barn quilts, which can reflect family heritage such as farm families' crops, favorite sports teams, or blocks from treasured handmade quilts, were beautifully painted and finished under Kimberly's expert guidance.

Using 2-foot by 2-foot or 4-foot by 4-foot aluminum composite boards, painters tape, and exterior paint, participants were able to create stunning works of art that will be enjoyed for many years to come. The classes offered a variety of patterns, including traditional quilt patterns like Carpenter's Wheel and Ohio Star, as well as popular barn quilt designs such as Scottish Thistle, Sunflower, and Cardinal patterns.

The finished barn quilts, once hung, will promote community pride and honor the agricultural roots of the area. Barn quilts are one of the fastest-growing grassroots public art movements in the United States, creating public art and paying tribute to the uniquely American history of beautiful quilts. This project allows us to showcase the natural, agricultural, and architectural beauty of our diverse county while highlighting the beautiful quilt patterns as unique art.

The success of these classes is supported by research from the Social Biobehavioural Research Group, which indicates that arts engagement can significantly improve mental health and wellbeing. Adults who participate in arts and culture have better mental health, higher life satisfaction, and experience less depression in later life. Engaging in arts activities also enhances self-identity, self-esteem, and agency, making individuals feel more able to tackle challenges. This evidence underscores the positive impact of the Barn Quilt Classes on the participants' mental health and overall wellbeing.

Additionally, these classes were featured in the March 2025 edition of Kentucky Living magazine, highlighting their significance and the community's enthusiasm for this creative endeavor.

Social Biobehavioural Research Group. (2023). Evidence brief: how the arts can support mental health and wellbeing in adulthood. Retrieved from SBB-Evidence-Brief-Arts-and-mental-health.pdf.