(Le Mars) -- The celebration of agriculture through art...go for a drive and

you'll see it all over Iowa.  Barn quilts starting popping up in Plymouth County

beginning in 2006.  Ruth Barker has been part of the program promoted and

developed in conjunction with the Le Mars Arts Center and Plymouth County ISU

Extension.  She says that the idea originated in Adams County, Ohio. 

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After a tour of those barns, Ruth began working with Kathy Moore at the Arts

Center, Carol Schneider of Plymouth County Extension and a committee of others

to help farmers in Plymouth County find patterns, and even people to paint. 

There are many quilts in the county that have been done by area 4-H Groups. 

Since 2006, more than 50 have been painted and put on barns, sheds and even

houses throughout the area.  Ruth says the quilt idea is meant to enhance old

farm buildings that have been well taken care of.

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Barn Quilts measure 8' by 8' and if you have a smaller space on a home or other

out building that is "square" worthy there are also 4' by 4' Welcome Square

patterns.  Folks on the committee would be happy to help you pick out a pattern.

Information including maps and a list of barn owners are available at the Le

Mars Chamber, ISU Extension Office and the Arts Center.  The Arts Center also

has  information on their website.  Click the following web address for a direct

link... http://www.lemarsarts.com/bq_gallery/index.htm

Speaking of websites, KLEM has launched a new Agri-Line page on KLEM1410.com. 

There you'll find this story and other local farm content as well as hog, cattle

and crop futures and other useful agriculture information.  www.klem1410.com/agri-line 

In the new year, expect to hear and see more about specific farms featuring Barn

Quilts throughout Plymouth County.