Callie Thacker’s “The Village” Mural at Village Antiques & Art
In the Summer of 2023, Callie Thacker researched the history of Appalachian barn quilts, including the earlier generation of the Central City Quilt Trail murals. That summer experience, they said, has inspired their work since. Today, Callie is part of that history as a muralist for the new Central City Quilt Trail. They shared more detail about their mural titled “The Village”, which now lives on the Village Antiques & Art building at 610 W. 14th Street, Huntington, WV.
Callie said that “The Village” depicts a neighborhood of homes, each adorned with its own quilt barn design. The composition was inspired by a traditional quilt design called “The Neighborhood” or “The Village”, which refers to house-themed quilt block designs and patterns. This design gives off a cozy community feeling that the team at Village Antiques loves!
Callie shared that they have been creating art in various forms and mediums throughout their life, but their artistic career began at Marshall five years ago. “I love making zines, video art, and sculptures,” Callie said. Although they do not consider themselves a textile artist, Callie said they are immensely interested in quilting, DIY/crafting, and other traditional Appalachian art forms. “This project felt like a way to explore those interests from a unique perspective,” Callie said.