PICKENS — The public is invited to enjoy an informative and entertaining presentation and book signing by author Suzi Parron. The event will be held Saturday, August 25, starting at 1 p.m. in the LaVonne Nalley Piper Auditorium of the Pickens County Museum, located at 307 Johnson Street in Pickens.

Parron is the author of the recently released book, Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement. Barn quilts are replicas of traditional cloth quilt patterns, painted on wood and then mounted on buildings, often barns, for passersby to enjoy. There are more than 4,000 such quilts on display in 32 states and Canada, with about 800 in Tennessee.
Parron spent three years traveling the country talking with barn owners and others who have participated in this new form of “quilting.” 

She will take visitors on a journey along the quilt trail, beginning with the very first barn quilt, which stemmed from one woman’s wish to honor her mother’s quilting art. Parron’s presentation features more than 100 photos of stunningly created barn quilts, some of which rival cloth quilts in their intricacy. Attendees will also hear stories of some of the individuals who have created painted quilts to honor loved ones, along with a few humorous anecdotes uncovered along the way.

The Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement book, now in its second printing contains more than 80 full-color photographs. It appeals to those who celebrate America’s rich tradition of fiber arts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the ways in which communities come together to preserve their cultural traditions. 

Those attending can bring their copy of the book to be signed or purchase a copy at the event for $25. 

Parron is a quilter, backwoods traveler, avid kayaker and folk art collector. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Florida, with a concentration in the literature of the American South. She teaches English at Lakeside High School in Atlanta and lives in Stone Mountain, Ga.

The program is part of the museum’s continuing effort to provide a variety of entertaining and educational programming for the community.
The Pickens County Museum of Art & History is funded in part by Pickens County, members and friends of the museum and a grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.