Quilted Community

Spring Residency 2023

Hicksville Village Schools Hicksville, Ohio

Quilted Community is a collaborative mural, measuring seven feet square, created through an artist-in-residence program funded by the Ohio Arts Council's TeachArts Ohio grant. The project spanned ten weeks and involved the participation of Hicksville's fifth, sixth, and high school art II students, alongside printmaker and collaborator Klaire Smith. Quilted Community stands as a collaborative tribute, capturing the spirit of rural life in Defiance County.

Inspired by the quilts and barn quilt murals prevalent in southern agricultural regions and Appalachia, which is Smith's hometown, this mural celebrates the rural life found in Defiance County. Students utilized recyclable and reusable materials to craft "trash stamps," which were then used to print fabric-inspired textures. The mural came together through the process of collaging paper painted with latex paint, combined with the use of "trash stamps" and fine Japanese papers. Just like quilters throughout history, the pieces were cut to size and meticulously assembled.

While the mural draws from contemporary quilt murals commonly found on barns in Appalachia and the South, the corners and center feature traditional quilt patterns: log cabin, birds in the air, eight-pointed star, schoolhouse, and card trick. These patterns were chosen for their historical symbolism.

The log cabin pattern symbolizes an appreciation for traditions, with a central red square representing the hearth or fireplace at the heart of a cabin, signifying the love within the community.

Birds in the Air, with its triangles, represents birds flying home, serving as a reminder that, regardless of our location, we can always find our way back home.

The Woven Eight-Pointed Star represents the interconnected faiths present within the community, highlighting the importance of finding a guiding star.

The Schoolhouse pattern simplistically represents the concept of the "little red schoolhouse," symbolizing the beginnings of education and the essence of a one-room schoolhouse.

The larger icons adorning the red petals of the central flower symbolize significant aspects of both the school and the community that deserve recognition. These icons embody the essence of their respective meanings.

The fruit-bearing apple tree pays homage to the legendary figure of Johnny Appleseed, who is said to have planted apple trees throughout the land. It serves as a symbol of growth, abundance, and the enduring spirit of nurturing and cultivating knowledge within the community.

The bell, standing proudly in the bell tower, holds a special place in the school's identity. It warmly welcomes all who enter through its doors, symbolizing the spirit of learning, community connection, and the joy of shared experiences.

The shovel and trowel represent the various forms of labor and effort invested in building a thriving community and a successful life. They symbolize the dedication, resilience, and collaboration required to lay the foundation for a prosperous future.

Lastly, the depiction of wheat and seeds serves as a recognition of the agricultural roots and the importance of cultivation. It serves as a reminder to sow the seeds of hard work, perseverance, and growth, nurturing them to fruition for a bountiful life.

Together, these symbolic icons within the central flower of Quilted Community encapsulate the essence of the school and community, celebrating their shared values, achievements, and aspirations.

Quilted Community stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and the preservation of heritage. It serves as a vibrant visual representation of the community's shared values, traditions, and aspirations. This mural not only showcases the creativity and talent of the students and their collaboration with Klaire Smith but also invites viewers to appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that defines the rural life in Defiance County. Quilted Community is a source of inspiration, fostering a sense of unity and pride among all who encounter its captivating presence.

Wheat and seeds serves as a recognition of the agricultural roots and the importance of cultivation.