The Whirlybird Artists-in-Residence Quilt began as a wild idea and turned into a masterpiece of story and stitch. It was imagined and created by Ren Farnsworth, our Artists-in-Residence Manager and chief brain-bustin’ resident artist, to raise money for the residency program that keeps The Whirlybird’s creative fire burnin’.
Ren built the quilt from Jim’s swamp-bird art prints, each one transferred onto 200-thread linen and sewn as bold, free-form patches — hand-appliquéd with her signature improvisational flair. The piece blends artistry and engineering: denim-quilting inspired by last year’s Alaskan artist-in-residence, George Gianakopoulos, meets the rhythm and texture of South Louisiana storytelling.
What Ren created is more than a quilt — it’s a living archive of creativity. Each patch hums with memory; each seam holds the spirit of artists who’ve passed through these doors. It carries the scent of the studio, the laughter of late nights, and the generosity that keeps our little outpost alive.
If you’d like to help keep the Whirlybird Artists-in-Residence program thriving, you can grab a raffle ticket (or three or more). ️ Each ticket is $20, and every dollar goes straight back into supporting artists, musicians, and storytellers who make this place what it is.
Just click the link below to purchase online — and don’t forget to leave your name, phone number, and email so we can write it onto a real ticket and drop it in the old Whirlybird raffle box.
The drawing will take place on Lundi Gras 2026 — the night before Mardi Gras — and we’ll make sure the winner receives the quilt within the week.
Click here to purchase raffle tickets