The OACHE Blog

I recently had the pleasure of viewing more than 50 quilts of Nina Maxine Green Groves.  Maxine’s quilts have been featured in numerous newspapers, magazine articles and exhibitions throughout the tri-state area and served as the inspiration for the "Quilt Barn Project," where painted replicas of quilt squares are placed on barns throughout southern Ohio.  My pictures do not do justice to the wonderful artistry involved in Maxine’s quilts; I encourage you to visit the exhibit on display throughout 2008 in the Bob Evans Farms Homestead Museum in Rio Grande, Ohio.

Donna Sue Groves, Maxine’s daughter, initiated the Quilt Barn Project in Adams County, and although it’s in the early stages, a National quilt Barn Trail (or as some call it, the Clothesline of Quilt Barns) is spreading and now encompasses 16 counties in Ohio.  There are 23 states currently participating in their own quilt barn trail projects.  It is estimated that over 1500 colorful quilt squares now adorn barns, flood walls, and other significant farm and community buildings.  All projects are similar but they are shaped by each community’s own values, vision, heritage, and cultural assets.