Sail On

Block Number: 172

Ginger Todd
McDowell Quilt Trail

 

Sibyl Byrd joined the McDowell Quilt Trail recently with the installation of block #172.   The 3 foot by 3 foot block was installed by volunteer Mike Lucas on the rear balcony porch area of the home located at 2721 Hemlock Court, Nebo, N.C. 

The block faces a cove off the Morganton side of Lake James in the Laurel Pointe community and is  visible from as boaters pass by.    “Sail On” depicts a sail boat with one mast detailed in red and white stripes along with white stars on a background of blue representing the American flag.  The block mimics the view of Lake James as seen from the balcony.  The various shades of blue represent the waters in the foreground, the brownish earth colors of the islands beyond and the cloudy sky of Carolina blues in the background.

Sibyl had admired the quilt blocks displayed throughout McDowell and other counties and decided to purchase one to brighten up the back porch as well as support the Arts Council.  She chose the patriotic colors and the symbol of the sail boat to represent her Christian values:  Pride in America and “Regardless of what may come upon us, we must ‘sail on’ and keep the faith”. 

A framed Certificate of Authenticity was presented to Sibyl by Jill Lucas, Chairwoman of the McDowell Quilt Trail, detailing graphics of her block along with various others already on the trail.

This block joins several others on the McDowell Quilt Trail located on Lake James, viewable only from the water.  For more information on hosting a block or the many interesting and historical stories involved with each, visit www.mcdowellquilttrail.org or contact artist Mike Lucas at 828-443-6476.  

 The Quilt Trail is a non-profit group of volunteers operating under the direction of the McDowell Arts Council Association in Marion, N.C.  The organization has installed several blocks in other counties, states and one internationally.  It has hosted two bus tours of the McDowell County blocks to Burke County organizations and its goal is to preserve the history of our area, add cheerful color to our buildings and support tourism and our economy.