Author: Chelsea Kiefer
The Friends of Watauga County Public Library received a grant from America 250 NC to complete their Commemorative Quilt public art project, highlighting the theme “A Gathering of Voices and Visions of Freedom,” which will be publicly unveiled on July 26, 2025.
Donna Breitenstein, library volunteer and retired ASU professor, says the project was truly a “labor of love.” That is evident from the wide collaboration between library staff, volunteers, quilters, and researchers. A piece of each of their talents and backgrounds is sewn into the final project, which will go on tour throughout the area until July 4, 2026. After the 250th anniversary, the quilt will be on permanent display at the Watauga County Public Library.
The fourteen-foot quilt depicts prominent North Carolina historic scenes in rich detail, such as the Battle of Kings Mountain, an essential victory in the fight for American independence. It also showcases cultural centers that are still a part of the local community today, including the historic Three Forks Baptist Church and Appalachian State University. This interwoven past and present gathers all North Carolinian voices together in one beautiful narrative.
“The quilters added so much with their ideas of the techniques to use: painting on fabric, appliques of material to form people and buildings, and cutting out images to be sewn or fused to enhance the border and the quilt itself.”
When adding in details of indigenous past from the region, Breitenstein and the entire team focused deeply on authentic expression of the Cherokee experience and used sources by indigenous authors to complete their research. “Websites developed by the tribal leadership were found to be more helpful in sharing a narrative from the Cherokee perspective.”
This was especially important as The Friends of Watauga County Public Library is organizing an educational outreach program to include lesson plans for the classroom that coordinate with details in the quilt. The inclusivity of the narratives ensures that local school children explore history through different lenses and points of view, encouraging them to challenge stories they encounter elsewhere in life.
With mountain scenes, local plant and animal life, rippling rivers, and wood grain textures, this fabric mural not only displays North Carolinians’ past, but also the natural wonders of the state we all call home.
“The grant has allowed us to depict the strength, courage, and industry of early and current Wataugans.”
What started as a stick figure design on butcher paper has been transformed into a work of art by members of the community, for members of the community.
If you would like to be among the first to view this incredible work, you can attend the free public unveiling at the Watauga County Public Library on July 26th. The event, which will run from 1p to 4p, will include free refreshments, guest speakers, a women-led banjo group, and more!
To find out where the quilt will be on display, please follow The Friends of Watauga County Public Library on their website and social media.
Quotes and images provided by Donna Breitenstein, Library Volunteer