Lumberyard Arts Center details Quilt Capital of Kansas program and economic boost for Baldwin City

Jeanette Blackmar, executive director of the Lumberyard Arts Center, told the Baldwin City Council the center has built a statewide program tied to the 2019 Kansas Senate resolution that named Baldwin City the “Quilt Capital of Kansas” and that the group is planning to expand the arts center as a cultural‑heritage tourism destination.

"On 2019, the Kansas senate, approved resolution 17 11 designating Baldwin City as the quilt capital of Kansas," Blackmar said, and she credited council support — and Councilwoman Julie Constantinescu specifically — for highway signage that brings visitors into town. Blackmar said the program secured close to $50,000 in grant funding during the pandemic to produce face masks and engaged more than 80 volunteers in the effort.

Sharon Vaseski, owner of Quilters Paradise, described the business impact: "The gross sales in Quilters Paradise in 2025 was 27.8% higher than in 2022," she said, linking the designation and local promotion to increased sales tax revenue. Ruthie Rodman, board president of the Lumberyard Arts Center, outlined year‑round programming: "We average 20 adult classes and youth classes every year," she said, listing quilting, macramé, embroidery and other textile arts.

Presenters also described youth outreach (75 participants in free classes supported by a Heritage Conservation Council grant), continuing statewide partnerships with guilds and tourism organizations, and plans to engage university design studios to develop a proposed physical expansion in spring 2027. Council members thanked presenters and several members noted the Quilts of Valor program and other community benefits highlighted during the presentation.

The center asked the council to continue support and indicated it will return with quarterly updates on grant activity and program progress.