Stronger Together: Groups Unite at Springfield Botanical Center for Art Week

 
Quilts displayed in the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2025.



Inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center in Springfield, Missouri, several groups share the same space and work together to improve the community. Each group has a different mission, but they often collaborate on projects that benefit everyone.

One example is a special art project for Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week 2025. Staff from the different organizations painted large wooden barn quilt blocks—colorful designs based on traditional quilts. These quilt blocks were then displayed together, creating a powerful symbol of teamwork.

The theme of the project is “Stronger Together.” Just like a quilt is made up of many different pieces, this project shows how people with different skills and backgrounds can come together to create something meaningful. Each barn quilt represents cooperation, creativity, and the idea that we can do more when we work as a team.

The Botanical Center is home to several organizations that helped with the project:


Springfield Botanical Center - Artist statement: 

Springfield-Greene County Park Board - Artist statement: 

Greene County MU Extension Council - Artist statement: Gold and black are the colors of the University of Missouri (MU), which is the land-grant University for Missouri and home to Extension. Our local operations are governed by the county council and programs our are taught my MU extension specialists that office in the botanical center. This interlocking pattern represents how teamwork and connected and shared effort fit together to form a unified design, just like people when we work toward creating a stronger and more vibrant, supportive and beautiful community. 

Greene County Master Gardeners - Artist statement: This quilt block, painted by a dedicated member of the Master Gardeners of Greene County, features a vibrant tulip design using shades of pink and green to reflect both the floral and foliage elements of a garden. As part of the Master Gardeners’ mission to provide research based horticultural education and training, this piece serves as a visual representation of the Master Gardeners’ mission of “helping others learn to grow.” Displayed alongside the other quilt blocks, it celebrates the unity and shared passion of everyone in the Botanical Center and park who serve our community.

Springfield Sister Cities Association - Artist statement: SSCA's mission is to create peace through people by encouraging understanding of different cultures. The "Double Friendship Star" pattern of our quilt reflects Springfield's good fortune to have two successful sister city relationships. The red-and-white center section reflects Japan, where SSCA fosters its longest sister-city relationship with Isesaki, marking 40 years in 2026. Flowing toward the center are the colors of the U.S. and Mexican flags. Springfield and Tlaquepaque, Mexico, have enjoyed a warm sister-city relationship since 2003.

Friends of the Garden - Artist statement: 

Greene County 4-H - Artist statement: 


Even though these groups focus on different things—gardening, education, culture, and youth development—they all care about making the community better and the Botanical Center a welcoming place.

The barn quilt display adds beauty to the center and shares an important message. It reminds visitors that working together builds stronger communities. Whether it's volunteering, helping a neighbor, or supporting local programs, everyone can play a part.

This project is just one example of how teamwork at the Botanical Center is making a difference. The barn quilts are more than decorations—they are a lasting reminder that when we work together, we are stronger.


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.

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