New Community Quilt Block Installation Brings Color, Creativity, and Heritage to Downtown Rock Springs
The Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency is proud to announce the completion of a vibrant new public art installation on the side of High Country Hearing Center, 514 Broadway Street, adding another unique attraction to Downtown Rock Springs and the Railside Arts & Culture District.
The installation features dozens of handcrafted quilt block designs inspired by traditional quilting patterns, each transformed into a colorful piece of public art. Together, they celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit that have long been woven into the history of Sweetwater County.
The project began with a simple idea and a memorable trip.
After discovering a display of barn quilt blocks while riding the Mickelson Trail near Custer, South Dakota, in 2021, local quilter Donna Toly envisioned creating something similar in Rock Springs. She brought the idea to the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency, believing the colorful artwork could celebrate the region's quilting heritage while adding another distinctive public art attraction to Downtown.
Donna coordinated nearly every aspect of the project, recruiting and organizing 20 local quilters, coordinating volunteers, gathering materials, scheduling production sessions, managing logistics, and even arranging lunches for volunteers during work days. Her passion and leadership transformed an ambitious concept into a community-wide effort celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
The quilt blocks were created by members of the Sweetwater County Quilt Guild, Donna's quilting friends, and other dedicated community volunteers.
The quilt blocks were created by:
- Donna Tolly
- Susan Davis
- Gay Redden
- Kayleen Logan
- Alish Laughlin
- Oliver Northrup
- Tessa Northrup
- Zella Northrup
- Susie Hermansen
- Alejandra Bradford
- Donna Hainworth
- Ricki Stanton
- Jackson Poignee
- Chelsea Porter
- Nancy McConnell
- Pam Wiggen
- Correllie Squires
- Taelor Pugmire
- Tyler Pugmire
- Tyler Pugmire
- Jeri Zevenbergen
- Robin Avery
- Debbie Braithwaite
- Maria Viking
- Teri Hansen
"Donna's vision is a perfect example of how one person's idea can inspire an entire community," said Chad Banks, Manager of Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency. "She didn't just imagine this project—she led it from start to finish. From recruiting volunteers and organizing work sessions to making sure everyone had what they needed, Donna poured countless hours into bringing this installation to life. The result is a beautiful piece of public art that reflects both our community's creativity and the incredible volunteers who made it possible."
The installation also would not have been possible without the generosity of the property owners at High Country Hearing Center, who embraced the opportunity to transform the side of their building into a permanent public art display.
Celebrating the Railside Arts & Culture District
The new quilt wall is the latest addition to the growing Railside Arts & Culture District, where public art continues to redefine Downtown Rock Springs as a destination for creativity, culture, and community.
From large-scale murals and sculptures to the Art Underground Gallery and rotating exhibits, each project helps tell the story of Rock Springs while creating memorable experiences for those who live, work, and visit Downtown.
Public art does more than beautify a space—it creates places where people want to gather, encourages exploration, supports local businesses, and builds community pride. Projects like this invite visitors to slow down, discover something unexpected, take a photo, and spend more time experiencing everything Downtown has to offer.
"Every public art project adds another reason for someone to visit Downtown," Banks said. "Whether you're here for shopping, dining, entertainment, or simply taking a walk, these installations create moments people remember. They tell our community's story while making Downtown a more vibrant and welcoming place."
The quilt block installation can now be viewed on the side of High Country Hearing Center at 514 Broadway Street and joins the growing collection of murals, sculptures, and public art throughout Downtown Rock Springs, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the creativity and collaboration that continue to shape the Railside Arts & Culture District.
