Day 1 at Grove Farm

I’ve just arrived at Grove Farm, a site steeped in history that dates back to the 18th century. After changing hands multiple times, the property eventually came under the care of Juniata College, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Robert Fisher in the early 1970s. Now, this rustic space will be my home and creative studio for the next 19 days. It’s a place that offers all the essentials, along with the tranquility and inspiration needed to dive into this project.

My first week here will be busy but exciting. I’m focused on gathering the remaining materials, refining images for the best printing results, and printing 5-10 images for each of the 38 communities and organizations I plan to include in my paper quilt series. The process is delicate, requiring the use of onion skin paper, which I’ve found to be perfect for creating the semi-transparent layers in my quilts. While the thinness of the paper demands finesse in printing and cutting, I’m confident I’ve got the process down. I’ll also make use of leftover prints for five additional community-focused clothing projects. Beyond that, I’m planning to visit Clair Grove, whose family once owned this land, and the Isett Heritage Museum to gather more materials and insights. But first, I’ll settle in, organizing my workspace, room, and living area to create a comfortable and efficient environment for the creative days ahead.