Robbinsville – “I like to hear ‘em laughing,” said art instructor Carolina Carpenter.
As she helped members of Monday evening’s barn quilt painting class at the Graham County Public Library choose their paint colors, Carpenter explained the appeal of the class, which was so full, the library had to create a waiting list.
“It helps you leave everything else behind,” Carpenter said. “For students, it’s something just for themselves, and they get to take home a beautiful piece of art that they created themselves.”
Though the project takes 3-4 hours to complete – longer than most students might expect – the process itself can be soothing.
Carpenter makes it simple for her students, drawing out the quilt pattern onto the wood.
The $40 class fee also covers all supplies; except for the hair-dryers, which are used to speed the paint-drying process. Aside from choosing their paint colors, students can relax and simply follow directions.
A Graham County native, Carpenter has 20 years of experience as an art instructor. In addition to this class and a December session of mini-barn quilt painting, she teaches oil and acrylic painting at the library. She arranges tables like a quilting bee, which contributes to the communal atmosphere and tendency for the class to turn into a giggle-fest.
Carpenter’s inspiration came from a student in her landscape-painting class, who requested a barn-quilt painting class last fall. The class is one more addition to the long list of classes and activities offered at the library, from yoga to scarf-making.
“As a library, we’ve got to evolve,” librarian Mary Griffin said. “We want our community to realize that we offer more than just books. We are so grateful for the people who share their talents with the community.”
Carpenter’s next barn-quilt painting class will feature the classic Carolina lily design. It will take place at the library Monday, March 23 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.