CONTACT:
Michelle Santos, Marketing Coordinator & Social Media Strategist
Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Phone: 518-434-1217 x 110
Email: msantos@albany.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2018
Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center Hosts “Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail” Photography Exhibit
New exhibit features photos of a creative initiative to increase tourism in Schoharie County
Albany, NY – The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center is proud to host a new exhibit, “Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail,” featuring photographs of quilt block murals in Schoharie County.
The Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail emerged out of the devastating floods of August 2011, caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. It is an effort by residents to revitalize the area and bring tourism to Schoharie County, which has an extensive history of traditional quilting. The idea was inspired by Donna Sue Groves, founder of the American Quilt Barn Trail.
“Schoharie County has a long history of quilting and often people have a cherished family quilt that works as an inspiration for the quilt block. Other blocks are selected from traditional designs and occasionally they are uniquely designed for the individual,” says Ginny Schaum, Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail Director.
To be included on the trail, the building for the quilt block mural must be visible to the public and available for photography. Depending on size, the blocks cost $150 or $300. The murals are painted by volunteers on sign quality boards with Benjamin Moore exterior paint. “Our goal has always been to include all generations with this project. We have been very successful in having children, teens, college students and adults of all ages paint quilt blocks,” says Schaum.
The exhibit at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center features photographs of select quilt blocks on buildings scattered throughout Schoharie County.
“I hope that viewers of the exhibit will have a nostalgic moment with their favorite quilt and be inspired to visit the Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail in-person,” says Schaum.
For more information on the Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail, please visit www.quiltbarntrail.com/.
“Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail” will be on display at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, located at 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, now through February 23.
ABOUT Discover Albany
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. Today, the organization is known as Discover Albany. Discover Albany currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. Discover Albany also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Foundation was established in 1993 to provide educational opportunities and work with other organizations to secure grants and funding to advance regional travel and tourism projects. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.
###