PHOTO OF THE DAY: STAR POWER

Lydia Dockter was among nine people learning how to fashion willow shoots into stars at Heritage Hall Museum & Archives in Freeman Thursday afternoon. Viki Graber, a Freeman community native who regularly demonstrates willow weaving at Schmeckfest, is conducting classes at the museum through Sunday. More than 40 people ranging from youth to adults signed up in early September for the classes — offered in nine different sessions — including stars, trivets, vindspiralers and baskets. Not only are they learning how to create them, they get to take their work home with them.

Graber, who lives in Goshen, Ind., is a fourth-generation artisan who transforms willow shoots into functional and decorative items. “I want to teach these classes in Freeman because of the rich history willow basketry holds here,” she said. “Willow work in particular helps us connect with nature and with our ancestors.”

Graber is offering her time and materials as a fundraising project for HHM&A.