Earth Quilt Project

This beautiful earth quilt was accomplished through the efforts of Asheville fiber artist and landscape architect, Norma Bradley. Ms. Bradley spent several weeks on the project, aided by high school students, teachers, and several area residents. The design came from Ashe County Middle School students, as a result of a contest held by Ms. Bradley. The shape of the quilt is octagonal, the universal shape for representing all ages. The "river" curves through the middle with river rock on either end. Evergreens, representing stability (and the county's top industry), seasonal flowers, representing celebration (Christmas in July) and perennials, representing renewal (spring) fill the spaces around the river. This accomplished artist has created more than 55 earth quilts in North Carolina and other eastern states. This work of art can be found gracing the lawn at the Ashe Services for Aging on Ray Taylor Road in West Jefferson. This project was made possible in part by an Arts in Education grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, and was sponsored locally by the Ashe County Arts Council.