The Athens Quilt Trail

Project Overview

Timeline: Spring 2024 to Spring 2026
My Role: Creator and Coordinator

Project Website: https://theathensquilttrail.framer.website

The Athens Quilt Trail is an original events series developed in order to not only foster deeper connections amongst the creative and local community of Athens, Ohio, but also to financially benefit the creative economy. Inspired by the Quilt Trail movement, four pop-up interactive art pieces that explore different aspects of community through the art of quilting appeared in different festivals and local businesses. Each stop facilitated meaningful interaction with an artwork, allowing community members to contribute to a collective art piece. Once works are completed, they are shown in a community art gallery/coffee shop, and then donated for permanent installation in local businesses.

From planning, to timelines, to interactive design, to copy writing, to graphic design, to marketing, to budgeting, to grant writing, to outreach and much more, I covered all areas from ideation to execution.

Events creator, Caroline Murphy, poses during the Living Traditions 2025 event.

Interactive Artwork One: Variable Star Stories

Participant artists first select a Variable Star quilt block from a display of multiple blocks. They then respond to a prompt about themselves and their community within the star pattern through drawing, writing, or whatever feels right! The finished piece is then added back to the wall of other responses, allowing viewers to experience the thoughts and feelings of their fellow community members.

Two participating artists add their artwork during the Living Traditions 2025 event.

Some completed artworks hanging together at Living Traditions 2025.

Artwork completed by mother, two daughters and one granddaughter at Living Traditions 2025.

Interactive Artwork Two: Stamp Storytelling

Participating artists use stamps with quilt block patterns to create their own quilt square. Traditional quilting patterns are translated for participants to understand what the symbol means, and then create their won stories while paying homage to past quilters. Participating artists create their artwork on a square of fabric attached to a bunting banner. When all sqaures on the bunting banner are filled, it is hung and displayed.

A family learns about the art making process at the Pawpaw Festival 2025.

Detail of a finished quilt square bunting banner at the Pawpaw Festival 2025.

Participating artist adds to their artwork at the Pawpaw Festival 2025.

Interactive Artwork Three: Quilted Athens

Participating artists are able to add to a quilt-inspired composite of Athens, Ohio. Through color and original drawings, participating artists add their favorite part of their community, whether it's a hobby, a pet, a friend or a character.

Participant artists discuss what they want to add to their community at the Pawpaw Festival 2025.

Participant artists add to the sky and the trails during the Pawpaw Festival 2025.

Booth set-up and painting before interaction.

Interactive Artwork Four: Through Lines

Participating artists take instant film photos of themselves, their friends, or anything of interest. Artists then add doodles, words, etc. to their photo, use a hole puncher to create four holes in the corners of the photo, and weave it into the hanging device. When completed, the photos become quilt squares showcasing the community!

Artists add their photos to the artwork at Tend Space's Craft Night.

An artist adds their name to their photo at Tend Space's Craft Night.

An artist weaves their photo into the community art quilt at Tend Space's Craft Night.

Additional Collateral Materials

Flyer of event details for The Athens Quilt Trail.

Small handout to advertise for The Athens Quilt Trail.

Environmental design of instructions for the Variable Star Stories activity at the Dairy Barn Arts Center.