Cultural Gathering Program Description
The gathering is for people who are involved in arts & culture in the District, are looking to learn more about provincial cultural initiatives, and looking to share ideas and network with others.
Report from:
BARN QUILT WORKSHOPS
Davidson – October 15, 2020 and Allan – October 16, 2020
Community Consultant – Aileen Martin.
Prairie Central recently hosted Barn Quilt Workshops & Volunteer Education Sessions in the communities of Davidson and Allan.
Barn Quilts are large plywood paintings of traditional quilt blocks that are meant to be hung on barns and buildings. In Eastern Canada and the United States communities create “Barn Quilt Trails” using these blocks to bring neighbours together, to increase awareness of rural architecture, to help folks slow down and enjoy life and many communities have even seen an increase in cultural tourism because of the blocks. Visit www.barnquilttrails.ca/about-us/barn-quilts-can-do/
Alongside the “quilt making” participants were treated to unique conversations we “zoomed in” called Culture Blasts! Kristin Catherwood from Heritage Saskatchewan spoke on the history of barns and the evolution of barns in rural Saskatchewan. Ali Piwowar, originally from Saskatchewan but zoomed in from Ottawa, shared excerpts from her thesis on “Reimagining Elevators”. Both speakers were so passionate about the Intangible Cultural Heritage we are so rich with in Saskatchewan.
We also challenged some of our favourite presenters with a TOP TEN in TEN where they zoomed in with expert advice giving us a little time for our paint to dry! Brenda Robinson spoke on Engaging Volunteers; Shelley Thoen-Chaykoski spoke about Grant Writing Tips; and Jack Saddleback, from OUTSaskatoon, spoke about how to be an Ally in the 2SLGBTQ community.
Here is a comment from one of the participants.
“I really enjoyed the workshop, I appreciated your efforts in having the patterns prepared for us and the beautiful colours of paint. I was surprised by the content/ conversations; re elevators and inclusion- but that’s the great part about trying something new- the unexpected learning experiences. Thank you for a well-organized and much appreciated night out.”
Check out the Saskatchewan Barn Quilts Facebook and Instagram Pages. Fingers crossed folks will start sharing their Quilt Blocks with us and we can create our very own Saskatchewan Barn Quilt Trail!
For more information on the presenters, their presentations, or barn quilts please connect with Aileen Martin at aileen.pcdscr@sasktel.net or 306.726.2087. Be a part of the movements! If you see a Barn Quilt in your travels be sure to share it with us, and #saskbarnquilt
