Working collaboratively with a nationally known textile artist, 4-H’ers from four states created two quilts now on display at the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum.
Young people from Alaska, New Jersey, Utah and West Virginia created quilt blocks that Susie Brandt, a textile artist and educator, transformed into two large quilts. The quilts, which are part of the 4-H Interaction of Color Quilts Project, are on display as part of the museum’s exhibition, “State Fairs: Growing American Craft” at the Renwick Gallery until Sept. 7.
Brandt said the Renwick curators wanted to ensure that 4-H club members were part of the exhibition.
“They understood how big a part of county and state fairs 4-H has been over the years,” said Brandt. “Curators asked me to lead the effort because I was a former 4-H club member and had managed collaborative remote quilt projects in the past.”
National 4-H Headquarters is based at USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which is just a short walk from the Renwick Gallery.
Dr. Martha Ray Sartor, division director of NIFA’s Division of Family and Consumer Sciences, said the 4-H Interaction of Color Quilts Project highlights the creativity and enthusiasm of 4-H members.
“The 4-H Quilt Project is a wonderful testament to the imagination and dedication of our members,” Sartor said. “Seeing their individual quilt squares come together and displayed at the Smithsonian is an unforgettable celebration of their creativity and the power of youth voices.
“It’s inspiring to witness the excitement and pride these young people feel, knowing their contributions are part of something so meaningful and visible.”
For the project, Brandt selected and sent an assortment of solid color fabrics to the states. Then, 4-H'ers used that large palate to explore color interactions and create blocks for a string quilt and a log cabin quilt.
“The sewing of the blocks and the study of color theory were key to achieving 4-H’s goal of active learning,” Brandt said. “Additionally, the blocks were designed so they could be done by hand or on a machine. Almost everyone can thread a needle and pull it through fabric.”
Pam Christian, a 4-H volunteer leader in New Jersey’s Somerset County, said the 4-H members she worked with jumped right in.
“They were so confident so quickly about their fabric choices,” said Christian, a former Wisconsin 4-H’er. “I loved seeing how they laid out their blocks, especially the log cabin blocks where they sometimes put a new spin on the traditional layout.”
Jenny Murray, West Virginia Extension associate program leader for 4-H youth development, agreed the project was approachable for all young people.
“There were basic instructions given on how to construct the block and play with color theory, but the way each member chose to design their block was ultimately up to them,” said Murray.
Sisters and West Virginia 4-H'ers Brianna and Kaitlyn Tenney learned to quilt for the first time during this project.
“We really enjoyed being part of this experience. I especially liked designing and creating the quilt blocks, and it was really cool to see how my individual pieces became part of a larger finished quilt,” said Kaitlyn.
Each state provided 25 squares for each quilt, but states took different approaches to managing the project. Some used existing clubs to meet in-person to craft their blocks, while others were completely virtual. Some groups used sewing machines, and others did hand stitching only.
“Every 4-H’er who created a quilt block is included in one of the two quilts,” Brandt said. “Sewn on the back of each quilt, there’s a key that identifies the young person who created the block and what state they are from. It was important they be recognized for their individual work.”
Project leaders agree that multistate collaborative projects create incredible value across 4-H.
“Being so far away from the Lower 48 states, any time Alaska youths have an opportunity to connect with 4-H'ers in other states, it benefits not only our clubs and communities, but our state, too,” said Cassandra Rankin, Alaska Extension 4-H program coordinator. “Bringing 4-H youths together builds the importance and integrity of our programs nationwide, as members see they are part of something bigger than just their 4-H club and their district.”
Christian said the multistate element generated a lot of appeal to participants.
“Young people don’t often have the opportunity to participate in a project that goes so far beyond their communities,” she said. “Being a part of something that would be displayed at the Smithsonian also made the project very exciting.”