Donna Sue's Quilt Presentation Transcription

This was the presentation given by Katherine Eckstrand, Director of Community Development for the Ohio Arts Council, during the "Connecting Appalachia and the World through Traditional and Contemporary Arts, Crafts and Music" Session at the Appalachian Studies Association conference on March 28, 2009. Many invited music and arts panels were scheduled, including Donna Sue Groves, Consultant and Advisor for art organizations and communities: formerly Southern Ohio Field Representative-Ohio Arts Council and founder of Quilt Barns.

"I just want to say I'm Katerine Eckstrand. Donna Sue called me her boss for about 3 years, but those of you who know Donna Sue know that really she was my boss. Some of you may know that through budget cuts the Ohio Arts Council eliminated Donna Sue's position about 10 months ago. And it was shortly after that that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I made a promise to her to help get her through this time period, so I'm asking for your support. Donna Sue has given so generously of her time and talent to so many. If you have a quilt barn trail in your community or in your state, you have this woman to thank. It was through her vision and her generosity and now she needs our help, and if you are able to contribute to what I call her Recovery Fund, to help keep the original Quilt Barn in the hands of the original founder, please stop by our quilt booth in the Resource Room and help out..."

If you want to help Donna Sue and I hope you do, you can send your donation to
First State Bank of Adams County
210 Pike Street
Manchester, OH 45144

Checks should be made out to "The Donna Sue Groves Caring Account."

I want to thank Barb Childers for providing us with the transcription.

With gratitude,
Karen