By MARCELLE HANEMANN

The Daily News

Those involved with the Museums of Cassidy Park undertook the creation of the just-opened Papermill Classroom in the Pioneer Museum so that the general public could get an idea of the workings of the industry that is responsible for the birth and continuation of Bogalusa.

But papermaking is not just a high-volume industrial pursuit.

As participants in the Museums’ first handmade papermaking workshop early this month learned, it can be an individual creative outlet that leads to the production of a wide variety of items, from the practical to pure art.

The museum now houses an exhibit of handmade paper art fashioned by six artists from throughout the country. The pieces range from large paper sculptures to paintings made from colored pulp, and there’s good news for anybody who feels inspired by what they see.

A second handmade paper workshop will be offered on Friday, with a beginners class starting at 9:30 a.m., and a second session for those who attended the Nov. 3 workshop starting at 1 p.m.

On Saturday, there will be a workshop for all the prior students, and observers are always welcome.

Sonja Rossow, a professional papermaker and a teacher in the art department at the University of Alabama, is the instructor for the workshops.

Millicent Canter, of the Museums of Cassidy Park, said the first papermaking class was well attended and that participants were enthusiastic. She added that student creations could be used as holiday decorations or given as gifts.

Tuition for MCP members is free of charge. Non-members are asked to pay $25, the price of a Museums membership, which includes free classes of all kinds for one year.

For additional information or to sign up, call 750-5213.