MILAN — Countless sheep hides covered a pair of oversized tables in Milan Village Arts School on Saturday, April 15, where students received a two-day crash course on the rare Norwegian craft of skinnfeller.
Students sewed either Norwegian mittens, boots or a hat under the instruction of Karen Aakre. Aakre is one of the only teachers of the art style around, which consists of sewing sheepskins together and decorating them with carved wooden blocks and natural boiled tree bark to leave a variety of designs and imagery.
Aakre helped students through each step of the process, from choosing the right hide to use, to cutting out patterns, sewing and beyond. The class took two full days at the school to hone skills that may one day be passed down to another generation in the household.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
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Sibley State Park teaches children fishing basics on Lake Andrew over Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
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.
Red fox kits are visible from a home den in Chippewa County on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
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.
Twin Cities magician Justin Alan brings, laughs, curiosity and fun to Willmar during his magic show at the Willmar Community Center on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
PHOTOS: Flowers, trees and green grass make a resurgence in west central Minnesota after sunny skies
Area trees, foliage burst back to life as temperatures and long, sunny days mark their return this spring season.
Fishing season for popular fish including walleye, bass and northern pike kicks off over the weekend.
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.
Children bike, roll and ride scooters to school during National Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
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.
As area lakes and streams thaw, waterfowl moving north inundate open waters throughout Kandiyohi County.
Members of the Ridgewater Welding program constructed a life-size stainless steel German shepherd sculpture, which will be displayed at the Law Enforcement Center.
A weekly drum circle on Wednesdays at the Willmar Community Center focuses on community, engagement and a way to decompress while having a little fun.
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.
Photographer Macy Moore captured some of the scenes along the Minnnesota and Chippewa rivers, which were near major flood levels on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
Folks learn how to turn junk into journals at the Willmar Public Library on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
Hilarity ensues as The Barn Theatre invites folks to travel back in time to the middle of World War II in "The Andrews Brothers."
Following a 22-car BNSF train derailment during the early-morning hours of Thursday, March 30, 2023, workers continue cleaning up the site this week.
The president brought his "Investing in America" tour on April 3, 2023, to Cummins Power Generation plant in Fridley, Minnesota.
Residents evacuated from their homes after a BNSF train derailed at 1 a.m. in Raymond on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Unique crafting style brings folks together for an afternoon of chit-chat and crafting at Willmar Public Library.
As a part of its public programming offerings, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in rural Spicer allows children to give rock climbing a try.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
From the pools and slides of the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center to a splash pad in a city park to a sandy beach, Willmar offers lots of ways to stay cool in the summer.
There are several opportunities to hear live music under the summer sky across the region.
There are more than 25 fishing lakes in the county, most north of U.S. Highway 12.
At Robbins Island Regional Park, visitors will have the opportunity to use several new park shelters while enjoying other upgrades the city of Willmar has made over the last several years.
Bicycling is a low-cost way to meet up and exercise at the same time. With trails available throughout west central Minnesota, and several biking events slated for June through August, you can take a ride in your neighborhood, join a group or raise money for a cause.
Several area waterways offer an alternative way to travel without the hassle of crowds and highways.
And this fall they will make the 5-mile trip back to the winter barn. It’s not known that any other dairy in the state does it like this.
Private parks, county and state parks in the region offer a variety of options for the perfect summer camping experience.
Visitors come by the dozens to celebrate summer with food, laughter and parades throughout the region.
A 47-year-old man injured in a crash has not been identified publicly and was transported by Life Link Air Ambulance to a hospital that was unnamed in the news release.
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