The fourth featured artist of the 2025 season at the Wildwood Art Barn is weaver Marilyn Mannschreck, who grew up on a farm southeast of Cook.

Mannschreck describes her weavings as “practical art”—dish cloths, towels, totes—things that can be handled and used daily.

“Weaving allows so many avenues to explore your own creativity while experimenting with yarn fibers, texture, color, or patterning,” she said. “Sometimes something really beautiful is the result, and sometimes something fun is the result.”

She said she has designed “Hidden Message” towels that can be “read” across the threads using Morse code.

Mannschreck said she really enjoys knowing that her woven items are used and enjoyed.

“I walk into one of my kids’ homes and I see a dish towel crumpled on the counter or one of my girls wearing a scarf I made and I think ‘Yes!’” she said.

Mannschreck said she began weaving in 2020 when she retired. She ordered a loom online and learned to weave from books and YouTube videos during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said she takes her inspiration from other weavers and fiber artists, the feel of the different fibers, and colors in nature.

Mannschreck is a member of the Wildwood Weavers group in Nebraska City, and she is also a member of the Great Plains Creative Art Association, which hosts an annual retreat workshop every April.

“I hope weaving, quilting, and sewing do not become lost arts,” said Mannschreck. “There are fewer yarn and fabric stores all the time, and fewer people who can pass on the skills. The equipment and supplies, such as yarn and fabric, are becoming so expensive. I hope people will still value handmade items in the future.

The Wildwood Art Barn is located at 420 Steinhart Park Rd. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 402-873-6340 for additional information.