KENT, Conn.—As Kent approaches its big celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation, it has a very special addition to the town’s history.
A quilt, crafted by master quilter Jane Zatlin, now hangs in town hall and bears the signatures and drawings by all 185 students currently attending Kent Center School.
The quilt evolved out of a request from the town’s 250 Committee for a signature quilt to commemorate the semiquincentennial. In 2016, the Quilters had created a town-wide signature quilt for the Kent Historical Society to be added to two other signature quilts in its collection, which is displayed at town hall. So, the quilting group thought it too soon to revisit that idea.
But, upon further reflection, the quilters focused their attention on Kent Center School. The signatures of all 250 students attending the school in 2016 were enshrined in the 2016 quilt and the group’s members decided it would be fun to adapt that idea for a completely different group of young scholars.
The quilters believed that, as children represent the future of the country, the theme would be perfect for a year that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the country.
Principal Michelle Mott and her staff agreed and last fall the teachers and students signed their names and submitted drawings of what they want to be or do when they grow up.
Jane Zatlin translated the drawings and signatures into fabric through digital printing and reduced the children’s drawings so all could be included in the design.
“It felt a bit like walking blindly in the dark,” she said. “There were so many unknowns. Finally, a quilt top emerged.”
Lorry Schiesel, another Kent Quilter and former first selectman, quilted the piece.
It now hangs in town hall where it will remain until the fall, when it will move to its permanent location at the Kent Center School.
