Tyler King, a lifelong Tennessean, has embarked on a unique project to foster community spirit in his adopted home of Jackson County. Inspired by the sense of connection he sought when he moved to the rural area last year, King launched "Quilting Jackson County," an initiative that uses handcrafted quilted banners to celebrate local businesses and organizations.
"I started thinking last year, what can I do to help connect more folks together, to reinforce that sense of community I was looking for when I moved here," King explained. "The community that I know already exists that I want to be a part of and highlight."
Drawing inspiration from Brenda Curtis' work in Granville, King, who has been quilting for four years, decided to combine his passion for quilting with his desire to strengthen community bonds. As a Tennessean, he understands the cultural significance of quilts, recognizing them as symbols of comfort, Southern hospitality, and lasting family heirlooms.
King's vision extends beyond simple decoration. He sees Jackson County as a large quilt, with each resident, business, and organization representing a unique "quilt block" stitched together by shared experiences and connections. His handcrafted banners serve as a reminder of this interconnectedness.
"My goal is to remind others of this in Jackson County," King stated. "I want each business or entity that I create a quilted banner for to be reminded: you are this community, you are seen and appreciated. I want each banner I create to connect more folks together with these common physical and metaphorical threads."
Each banner is meticulously hand-sewn by King, who works from photographs and allows his creativity to guide the design, ensuring that each piece complements the organization's aesthetic. He incorporates "orphan quilt blocks" sourced from estate sales and thrift stores, giving them a new life within his creations. Adding a personal touch, the backs of many banners feature quilt tops started by his best friend's grandmother, honoring her memory and continuing her quilting legacy.
King has already completed and delivered eight banners to local establishments, including Gib Flo Farms, Roaring River Distillery, Nostalgic Coffee Cafe, Ms. Sallies Market, Honest John's Frozen Custard, Hare in the Chair, Katrina's Kloset and The Stolen Coin. He speaks fondly of each business and its owners, highlighting the personal connections he has made throughout this project. Currently, he is working on the ninth banner for the Sentinel newspaper office, with plans to create twelve more for the square, followed by Granville and the wider county. His ambitious goal is to provide every business and entity in Jackson County, from the Courthouse to the Library, with a custom-made quilted banner over the next few years.
King hopes his project will inspire others to engage in similar acts of community building. "I want to encourage more folks to do something for your neighbors," he urged. "Remind folks, we are a community that cares for each other and nothing can tarnish that." Through his artistry and dedication, Tyler King is weaving a stronger, more connected community in Jackson County, one stitch at a time.
