The Wadena City Library is offering a free folk toy making workshop for kids Monday, Jan 23, from 1 p.m. to about 2:30 p.m. at the library.
Join Kent Scheer, Wadena's own toy maker extraordinaire, in creating your own toys. The workshop is open to children in grades 4-6 to attend with an adult, and to younger children who are accompanied by an adult. This is a great way to learn about how our grandparents and great grandparents may have had fun when they were kids.
Scheer is a long time toy maker and sculptor from Wadena. He is no stranger to toy making residencies throughout the state. His sculptures have been featured in national magazines and sold and exhibited around the country. He also created the Green Island Preserve in northern Wadena, an outdoor sculpture park aimed at creating tranquil spaces to relax and reflect. In his workshops he works with both children in grades 4-6, and with adults, either with a child or on their own. He makes folk toys like, cats' cradle, pantins, handkerchief toys, teetotums, paper air planes, bullroarers, and more.
Scheer is currently promoting the "Declaration of Interdependence," a public art project funded by the Five Wings Arts Council in cooperation with Forecast Public Art. This is a cooperative effort to establish a poetic and artistic statement of respect and concern for the earth.
