Ben Hayes gets help sewing his quilt square. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)

If you have a question about how to make a quilt, you might want to consult a three-, four-, or five-year-old in town. The children at the Barn School spent the last several months learning about the tradition of quilting, as they collectively wove their paintings, photographs, memories, and stories into an original piece of art.

The quilt tells a special story about the Barn School community and the children’s connection to one another. Making the quilt is part of a new enrichment program offered at the school and was pioneered by Jessica Taylor, the school’s director, and Kirsten Wright, a local artisan and former elementary school teacher. Wright has quilted all her adult life and was inspired to share her passion with the preschoolers.

“It’s been great to have someone like Kirsten who can share her creativity and passion with the kids,” Taylor said. “The children not only are learning to sew, select fabrics, and recite stories, but also are learning about the process as they experience seeing their individual contributions comprise key elements to the overall theme of the quilt.”

The children chose to depict something familiar to them: a natural Harvard landscape that includes a vibrant sun, a brilliant sky, and, of course, a Harvard apple tree. The children selected a unique fabric to represent themselves as a ray in the sun. The sky is a compilation of blue tones made up of the children’s artwork over the year. And the prominently displayed apple tree bears “fruit” that incorporates pictures of the children.

From left: Ainslie Joones, Collin Burns, Isabelle Planchet, and Anna Laursen glue quilt squares.

“The natural curiosity and ability of the children to freely and enthusiastically explore and share their creativity has been remarkable,” said Wright, adding, “The children’s unfailing ‘can do’ spirit paired with the support received by their teachers have been keys to success. The Barn School quilt is a reminder that our littlest citizens can definitely achieve big things!”

Note: Kirsten Wright contributed to this article