WILLISTON, N.D. - Williston State College Instructor Kirby Lund has woodworking pieces on display at the James Memorial Art Center in Williston. The exhibit is scheduled to run until March 18th.

The exhibit, now in its 25th year, features pieces from members of the Williston Camera Club, as well as the Williston Area Woodworkers. "Gallery I is currently filled with photography, and Gallery II is where the woodworking is shown. We have all kinds of woodworking, from scroll-sawed pictures to wood-turned bowls to some small furniture."

Lund's interest in woodworking was cultivated in his high school years. He first went to this exhibit over ten years ago. He says that he had done some simple woodwork back then. "In college, I was lucky enough to rent an apartment with a garage stocked with woodworking tools," he explains.

These days, he's come far in his woodworking ability. He details ten of his own pieces on display at the James. These include a yarn bowl made from red oak, which he fashioned by gluing red oak segments into rings. He then glued them together, and roughed them into the shape of a large bowl. After sanding and polishing it, he cut a swirl into the side of the bowl to thread yarn through. "Joining the [Woodworkers Club] has taught me so much more about woodworking; I've definitely made some challenging pieces!"

There are also pieces from Williston's other talented woodworkers. Lund was particularly impressed with wooden clocks, made by Jason Schroeder, that feature extensive detail, and are said to each have been the product of over fifty hours of work.

The exhibit has, so far, received positive reception from members of the community. "It's always fun to see our club president, Tom Bloch, take apart his jewelry box trees for visitors, and watch them marvel over how many smaller pieces are actually inside those trees," Lund says. "Some people are absolutely baffled by how we do these projects, and it's great to see that moment of 'Oh, that's how you did it' on their faces!"

"We have this annual show to get involved in the community, and to foster appreciation for arts in the Williston area," Lund says. He also notes that there is a silent auction scheduled to take place on the last day of the exhibition, Sunday, March 18th. Wood pens, rolling pins, wooden coasters, and other items will be auctioned off on that day. Proceeds raised will fund activities and operations at the James Memorial Art Center, such as art classes and exhibits like this. According to Lund, the James is an integral part of preserving local history.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit to check out the pieces, as well as to meet the artists and woodworkers.

Hours for the exhibition are:
Saturday, March 10th: 10AM to 7PM
Sunday, March 11th: 12PM to 5PM
Monday, March 12th to Saturday, March 17th: 10AM to 7PM
Sunday, March 18th: 12PM to 5PM (auction ends at 3PM)

For more information on the exhibit and the James Memorial Art Center, please call 701-774-3601 or email jmps@nemont.net

For more information on WSC please visit www.willistonstate.edu
call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.