The community quilt led by local artist Jodi Ann Nicholson through Barry's Memo Arts Centre has been completed.

When the project launched, Jodi told Nub News she had always wanted to create a quilt, as it fits with themes in her work about exploring and communicating identity.

Barry residents sent in their patches for Jodi to sew together into the final product, which is now hanging in the Cwtch, in the Bedwas Floyer of the Memo.

"There's quite a lot of natural light there and it's a nice entrance to the building," said Jodi.

"We're going to have a frame made as well, so it's properly displayed."

The quilt is currently available to view online, with close ups of the contributions.

From children as young as seven to retirees, the participants have their own personal perspective of the place where they live, visit or which they remember fondly.

Most squares were made in Barry, but submissions were sent in from as far away as Louisiana, USA.

"As I started putting it together, more patches were coming in at the same time," said Jodi.

"I had time with all the patches, and many came with little stories or anecdotes, insights into the person who had made them.

"So, I spent a good couple of days just going through and reading those stories as well. It prompted me to make a few patches based on their stories, which I included in the quilt as well.

"I feel a bit closer to Barry now as well, myself. Some of the stories reminded me of my connections to the town.

"There were stories about performing at the Memo, and it reminded me of when I performed with my ballet class.

"It was so nice to find these links between myself and the people who were doing it. There were lots of anecdotes about where people walk their dogs or particular places they've been. So, it was nice to see how people linked up together as well," she said.

The history and heritage of the area come through with personal recollections of dances and family and through references to Tabernacle Chapel and David Davies.

Themes of home and views from the window give us a reminder of the times we are living in and it is clear that many of the participants are dog lovers.

"I was amazed at how much time people put into them, and how skilled the work was," said Jodi.

"There were some unexpected things, some people had used paper, wire and beading."

"We had planned for Jodi to deliver quilt square workshops in person at the Memo in our newly refurbished spaces, but the winter COVID-19 restrictions meant we had to adapt so people could take part from home," explains Megan Merrett, Participation and Volunteers Coordinator at the Memo.

"We hope that the quilt has brought the makers together and shows the diversity and positivity of Barry."

Many community groups, local activities, beaches and parks are referenced in the quilt. From local crafters with the Soroptimists and Barry Hookers to Guides and Sea Scouts, from Porthkerry Park in the west to Victoria Park in the east, from gardens and beach huts to wild swimming and music, the quilt stories are a journey through the town.

Click here to see close-ups of all the patches.