The BQOOC project was launched in April 2013. Kay Rankel who is the director of the Gillett Public Library contacted Lynn Jones of New View Industries and the two went out into the community to gather support. The goal is to create a pathway into all of the communities of Oconto County with the hopes of generating tourism, as well as to bring attention to the unique architecture and history of the barns and other significant buildings here.
Kay and Lynn met with Jim Leuenberger of Shawano County (Jim is the one that got their barn quilt project off the ground there)...Shawano County now has more barn quilts than any other county in the country! Jim gave them tips and tricks on the construction, painting, and installation of the barn quilt blocks.
The Oconto Electric Coop is generously supporting this project by donating the use of their equipment for the installation of the blocks and the OEC linemen are donating their time.
The Oconto County Economic Development Corp (our tourism department here in Oconto County) is encouraging this project and will eventually have a map of barn quilt locations posted on their county website.
New View Industries is painting and constructing the blocks at their facility in Gillett. Groups and individuals are encouraged to come to their facility to help paint their own.
About New View Industries:
New View Industries is a non-profit employment and training facility for individuals who are developmentally/physically disabled or who have other barriers to employment. Since 1974 it has been their mission to provide participants with outstanding vocational and skills training to help them achieve greater independence in all aspects of their lives. Their services are provided in an industrial setting and are designed to improve work performance and to teach participants the skills necessary for successful transition into community employment and life.
Kay and Lynn met with Jim Leuenberger of Shawano County (Jim is the one that got their barn quilt project off the ground there)...Shawano County now has more barn quilts than any other county in the country! Jim gave them tips and tricks on the construction, painting, and installation of the barn quilt blocks.
The Oconto Electric Coop is generously supporting this project by donating the use of their equipment for the installation of the blocks and the OEC linemen are donating their time.
The Oconto County Economic Development Corp (our tourism department here in Oconto County) is encouraging this project and will eventually have a map of barn quilt locations posted on their county website.
New View Industries is painting and constructing the blocks at their facility in Gillett. Groups and individuals are encouraged to come to their facility to help paint their own.
About New View Industries:
New View Industries is a non-profit employment and training facility for individuals who are developmentally/physically disabled or who have other barriers to employment. Since 1974 it has been their mission to provide participants with outstanding vocational and skills training to help them achieve greater independence in all aspects of their lives. Their services are provided in an industrial setting and are designed to improve work performance and to teach participants the skills necessary for successful transition into community employment and life.
MISSION:
The mission of the Barn Quilts of Oconto County is to celebrate and promote the culture, heritage and progressive nature of Oconto County by placing quilt blocks on barns and other suitable buildings throughout the county.
OBJECTIVES:
Agricultural Architecture & Preservation:
This project will bring attention to the unique architecture and history of barns and other significant buildings in our county. By drawing attention to these assets we hope to encourage the preservation of these structures for future generations.
Agri-tourism:
This project provides us with opportunities to showcase the various aspects of agricultural production and businesses.
Economic Development:
We want to encourage promotions, marketing and grant writing for local businesses and farmers who want to link their new or existing small businesses to the Barn Quilts of Oconto County.
Community Sustainability:
Our goal is to create a tour route which will travel though each community in the county. The Barn Quilt project will provide a climate favorable for local entrepreneurs to develop and initiate products that service the influx of new tourism in the county. Proceeds from the project will be used to maintain the barn quilt project which promote tourism and economic development in Oconto County.
The mission of the Barn Quilts of Oconto County is to celebrate and promote the culture, heritage and progressive nature of Oconto County by placing quilt blocks on barns and other suitable buildings throughout the county.
OBJECTIVES:
Agricultural Architecture & Preservation:
This project will bring attention to the unique architecture and history of barns and other significant buildings in our county. By drawing attention to these assets we hope to encourage the preservation of these structures for future generations.
Agri-tourism:
This project provides us with opportunities to showcase the various aspects of agricultural production and businesses.
Economic Development:
We want to encourage promotions, marketing and grant writing for local businesses and farmers who want to link their new or existing small businesses to the Barn Quilts of Oconto County.
Community Sustainability:
Our goal is to create a tour route which will travel though each community in the county. The Barn Quilt project will provide a climate favorable for local entrepreneurs to develop and initiate products that service the influx of new tourism in the county. Proceeds from the project will be used to maintain the barn quilt project which promote tourism and economic development in Oconto County.