Learn to make paper, celebrate Bogalusa’s heritage at Paper Mill Classroom

Published 8:51 am Friday, November 2, 2012

By MARCELLE HANEMANN

The Daily News

Papermaking is responsible for the birth, growth and sustenance of Bogalusa, but for most people in the community the process is a mystery.

Now thanks to the Museums of Cassidy Park, the mystery of both industrial and personal papermaking is about to be uncovered.

The History of Paper Making exhibit, which addresses the evolution of what started out as the Bogalusa Paper Mill, has been expanded and refined, and now the educational opportunity is going to get hands-on and creative.

The grand opening of the new Paper Mill Classroom in the Pioneer Museum will be celebrated with demonstration classes, which are open to the public, at 1 p.m. Saturday and continuing from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Sonja Rossow, an instructor of Handmade Paper in the Bookarts Master’s Program at the University of Alabama, will lead the workshop. She has visited the Pioneer Museum three times recently to assist in planning for the program, according to MCP Director Millicent Canter.

A special exhibit of Rossow’s work, plus an exhibit of handmade paper art, lent by paper artists from around the country, will accompany the grand opening and remain on site through Dec. 10.

Joe Ball, former assistant mill manager in Bogalusa and a volunteer in the Paper Making Classroom, will act as assistant instructor.

Canter said papermaking is a wonderful creative outlet that can produce more than just art.

“This is a great artistic medium with so many practical applications, as well as educational relevance to Bogalusa’s history and future,” she said.

Canter encourages participation in the class.