Conference for Young Writers

MARSHALL — The annual Conference for Young Writers will be Oct. 27 at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. The conference is for students in grades 3-9. Participants will attend three hands-on learning sessions in different areas of writing. Schools and parents can register students online at www.swwc.org/yw . Registration deadline is Sept. 28. Fee is $40 for students and $10 for adults. If you have questions, contact Andrea Anderson at 507-537-2257 or andrea.anderson@swwc.org.

Willmar Community Center

Classes scheduled at the Willmar Community Center. To register call 320-262-5288 or willmarparks-rec.com .

Copper sponge pumpkin: Sept. 21, 2 p.m., $3, pre-registration required; make a copper sponge pumpkin.

Square Dance Lessons

The Jolly Twirlers Square Dance Club will be teaching the art of square dancing to singles and couples of all ages. The lessons are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Nov. 4 at the Willmar Community Center, The Jolly Twirlers dancers serve as mentors for new dancers learning the different square dance “calls.” Adults $3 per lesson, students ages 16 and under are $1.50.

Willmar Community Education

Willmar Community Education has several art-related classes scheduled. Pre-registration is required for all the classes. Cooking classes are in the Food and Drink calendar elsewhere in today’s paper.

Beginning watercolor: Thursdays, Sept. 16-Oct. 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Jefferson Learning Center, ages 15 and older, $86, instructor Pauline Prawl. Six-week class, beginning painters will learn approaches to watercolor painting with guidance and support. Supply list provided on the first night of instruction.

Alcohol ink: Sept. 25, 9 to 11 a.m., Jefferson Learning Center, ages 13 and older, $25, instructor Pauline Prawl, explore painting with alcohol inks in this one session-class. Learn the ins and outs of painting with alcohol inks on paper, dishes, and tiles. $5 supply fee payable to instructor at class. Cash only; change will not be available.

Stained glass for beginners: Oct. 26, 7 to 9 p.m. and Nov. 6 and 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Willmar Senior High School, ages 15 and up; instructor Tom Nelson; $85 fee plus $25 to $70 for supplies; from cutting and soldering, make one copper foil project during class. Lead assembly techniques will be demonstrated.

Rock painting: Have you found any painted rocks outside around Willmar? Learn how to create your own! Paints, brushes and rocks will be provided for each class. The classes are from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, at Jefferson Learning Center, ages 5 and up; those ages 5-11 will need to sign up with a responsible adult; $5 first person, $3 for each additional family member; instructor Sarah Miller. There are four classes scheduled for this fall. They are:

Rock painting Mandala Dots: Sept. 18, learn how to organize Mandala dots to create your very own stunning geometric designs.

Rock painting Dinosaurs: Oct. 9, learn how to paint these colorful dinosaurs for yourself, including tips and tricks to help you gain confidence as a painter and be guided in painting your very own mini collection of dinosaurs.

Rock painting lettering: Nov. 13, learn tips for getting started with lettering in addition to a few simple background designs that will amaze anyone who sees your work.

Rock painting gnomes: Dec. 11, step-by-step instructions to paint your very own gnomes. In addition to the basic instructions, you'll learn some simple variations to make your gnome unique for any personality or holiday.