John Stadtmiller and Sylvia Holland are opening Laurel Barn Quilts in New Richmond in January. The couple will have a variety of barn quilts for sale as well as other crafts.
John Stadtmiller and Sylvia Holland are opening Laurel Barn Quilts in New Richmond in January. The couple will have a variety of barn quilts for sale as well as other crafts.

By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

Two years ago, John Stadtmiller and Sylvia Holland brought their first barn quilt paintings to New Richmond to display during the annual Destination Artists event.

In January, the couple will open their own barn quilt painting shop, Laurel Barn Quilts, where their business began.

“That was our very first show down on Front Street,” Stadtmiller said about Destination Artists. “We got quite a few leads during that show.”

Stadtmiller said he painted his first barn quilt only a few weeks before the event as a fun activity with his niece and nephew on Veterans Day.

He said after that, he just started producing more and more barn quilts.

“It never gets old because there is always something new coming through,” Stadtmiller said. “I had never taken an art class but I just painted one and liked it. Now I am doing more intricate designs.”

Stadtmiller said their business has continued to grow since their first quilts were sold. He said they have traveled to a variety of art shows and commissioned barn quilt paintings for customers who have heard about their work.

“We have about 12 to 15 orders in the house,” Stadtmiller said. “It’s turning into a second full-time job now.”

Stadtmiller said that after traveling to art shows they decided they wanted to have one location where they could display their work for customers.

“We decided to give it a shot as far as opening a place and being there all the time,” Stadtmiller said.

Stadtmiller said they decided to buy a shop in New Richmond, not far from where they live, and not far from where barn quilts originated in Adams County.

Stadtmiller said they will sell a variety of barn quilt paintings from their store. He said they will start as low as $20 for a small quilt painting and can go up to $1,000 depending on the size.

Stadtmiller said Laurel Barn Quilts will be located at 238 Front Street in New Richmond.

He said they will be open beginning Jan. 1 but will have their grand opening during Destination Artists Jan. 25-26.