Colton: Barn Quilts & Beyond
Public art and architecture come together in a movement that is sweeping St. Lawrence County – barn quilts. Through numerous creative, colorful, and vibrant barn quilts, the county’s communities reflect on their past and share their stories for all to see. These pieces of artwork are mounted on buildings and all tell stories about their communities – where they came from, and where they are going. They also convey a bit about the people who made them. Working together with our friends at Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY), we will explore the barns and buildings where these unique quilts tell their stories in Colton and South Colton.
This outing will first explore one of the northwestern Adirondack’s premier historic lodging venues at the Catamount Lodge, which features its own set of barn quilts. After enjoying lunch on this wonderful property, we will head into South Colton to learn about its barn quilts and historic buildings through a walking tour, followed by a visit to a privately-owned barn that features a proper barn-mounted quilt.
Lastly, we will explore Colton itself, and visit its blended Arts and Crafts and Colonial Revival-style Hepburn Library, designed by architect Ehrick Rossiter in 1912-1913, as well as the town’s beautiful Potsdam sandstone Zion Episcopal Church, constructed in 1883. Top the day off with a visit to TAUNY’s brand new barn quilts exhibit with TAUNY Executive Director, Jill Breit (optional).
This tour will be led by TAUNY Executive Director Jill Breit, Catamount Lodge owner and TAUNY board member Ruth McWilliams, Colton historian Mary Jane Watson, and several property owners and barn quilt artists.
The tour begins at 10 AM and ends around 3:30 PM.
The fee is $45 for AARCH members and $55 for non-members. Includes optional admission to TAUNY’s new barn quilt exhibit.