WILLMAR — Bit by bit, a room full of devoted crafters placed row after row of tiny diamond drills on a paper chart as they laughed, told stories and brought to life works of art during a diamond painting program at the Willmar Public Library on Wednesday afternoon.
Diamond painting — described by some as a cross between paint-by-number and cross-stitch — has gained popularity with members of the library staff recently, and so they decided to bring the program to patrons who are avid crafters. According to Willmar Public Library adult services employee Maida Berg, the program was born out of staff suggesting a social time to teach others about diamond painting.
"Crafts are so popular with our patrons, so I definitely foresee doing this more," Berg said following the inaugural program. "It is meditative, cathartic, helps people focus or who just want to relax."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
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Green Lake BMX hosts MN BMX State Qualifier in Spicer on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School held its Class of 2023 commencement at the Willmar Civic Center on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Little Crow Ski opened its summer season Friday at Neer Park. The team will perform through the end of August, 2023.
Novice and advanced spoon carvers converge in the small town of Milan for the 17th annual Spoon Gathering this weekend.
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Graduation ceremony sees 23 students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 27.
Veterans and community members come together to place American flags on veteran graves, raise 100 flags at memorial the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023.
Willmar students won the Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association Supermileage Challenge at Brainerd International Raceway with a car that recorded a top performance single run of 532.55 miles per gallon.
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Section 5A golf at Eagle Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Willmar.
Norwegian celebration fills Milan's downtown streets as residents celebrate their heritage Saturday, May 20, 2023.
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Proud parents, family and friends fill sidewalks and theatre to watch students in prom grand march on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School hosted grand march and prom festivities on Friday, May 5, 2023.
On May 4, 2023, the day before this year's Willmar Senior High School prom, school staff dress up for staff prom.
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Vendors, games and a color run for kiddos highlight annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Willmar.
New ambulance exhibit donated by CentraCare revealed at museum's five-year celebration on Friday, April 28, 2023.
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Members of the Ridgewater Welding program constructed a life-size stainless steel German shepherd sculpture, which will be displayed at the Law Enforcement Center.
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First-ever Daddy Daughter Formal is a smashing success as hundreds register for night of dancing.
Law enforcement and community members pay their respects to slain Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen during his funeral at Minnewaska Area High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Glenwood, Minnesota.
Folks gathered for music, guest speakers and more at the Willmar Civic Center during the annual Life Connections event on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Karen Aakre passes along Norwegian skinfeller teachings during a two-day course at Milan Village Arts School.
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Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Thirteen artists are scheduled to take part in the annual arts event, which sees artists open their studios to the public in Willmar, Svea, New London and Spicer.
There are 12 new pieces on the 2023 Bemidji Sculpture Walk, which has drawn curious folks to town since 1999.
Community and high school art events will be printed each Wednesday in this calendar up to four weeks in advance. The deadline is noon Friday. Email to news@wctrib.com with “arts calendar item” in the subject line.
Art classes and meetings in the area
Exhibits on display in the next month
Museum hours and special events in the next month
Opportunities for artists in the west central Minnesota area
This year is Milan Village Arts School's 17th annual Spoon Gathering, which is well-known in the spoon carving and woodworking communities. Artisans come from all over the country to take part.
Emilie Rigby has been carving spoons and creating other wood art for more than 10 years. She'll bring her unique set of skills to the 2023 Spoon Gathering hosted by the Milan Village Arts School on June 1-3.
Willmar Parks and Recreation and Willmar Community Education each provide a great array of different programs and events for family fun during the summer.
News reporting
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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