Shown are the types of miniatures used in the Millis Miniature Painting Group, led by Paul Sims and sponsored by the Friends of the Millis Public Library. The Youth and Family group has spurred an Adult-only group, soon to start up. Photo used courtesy of Paul Sims.

Creativity takes many forms, and at the Millis Public Library, it has manifested itself in the form of a “Youth and Family Miniature Painting Group” for nearly four years. The group, led by Paul Sims, has gained in popularity so much that Sims will soon be adding an Adults Only group.

“I used to paint Miniature's when i was a teen, back before it was cool,” says Sims. “After repainting some of my children's Skylanders figures for them, I asked my oldest daughter if she or any of her friends might want to start a group at the Millis Library.  We started out with Skylanders and other larger figures, but some of the kids do really complex models, now.”

Sims explains that many miniatures represent an existing game, such as Warhammer, D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) and Decent, and they can also be an add-on for a game. “Common miniature sizes are 28mm scale and 32mm scale. That is, a 6-foot-tall man would be either 28mm or 32mm depending on the scale. The animals, monsters or other accessories are based off of that,” Sims explains. Some of these figurines come pre-assembled, he says, but others are more complex models that hobbyists can put together. They come in many materials, including metal, plastic and resin.

Millis resident Kathleen Streck says her son, Colin, has been participating in the group for at least two years. She joined in about a year ago.

“We enjoy it. I think it gives him an opportunity to be creative, and learn and apply painting techniques. There is also a social aspect, meeting with friends to paint. It’s relaxing, and provides an opportunity to customize miniatures for games we like to play,” says Streck, who would recommend the group to others. “It’s a great opportunity to get exposure to a new hobby (in an) environment that is friendly to beginners and new faces.”

Sims began the group supplying models from his own collection. 

“We initially started out with myself and my daughter Natasha.  We added a couple of her friends to the group and then some older kids.  I think our first year, we had between 7 to 10 kids showing up. Last year, we had meetings with close to 50 participants in it. I think our actual group number capped at 53 with youth and parents,” says Sims.

In his second year, and since, he has received grants from the Friends of the Millis Library to continue the group. “Fortunately, there are Companies out there like TJ's Cafe and Games (Milford) and Safari LTD. that support our group by applying discounts and making donations for our projects,” says Sims, who has actually been recruited as a Brand Ambassador for PLAID Craft Company. “While they supply the paints, brushes and sealers I need for conventions and social media, they also support my efforts to run this local painting group,” says Sims.

The youth group, he says, welcomes children from a young age to teen. 

“I have watched children from 6-year-olds to 16-year-olds talk about and enjoy different aspects of a common interest in respectful and enthusiastic ways,” says Sims. “They learn problem solving, fine motor skills, (gain) confidence in their own work (and learn) how to work together on group projects. I have seen some children who may be quiet or shy in other social situations open up and be smart, funny, helpful and kind. It is just another way for them to express themselves.”

Sims came up with the idea of the adult group as he started noticing parents’ interest in the projects and working on the miniatures. “Now we have several families that participate and some even have family painting nights at home,” says Sims.

Greq Quilop is one of those parents who joined in when his children were participating.

“Currently, I'm the only one in my family who is part of the miniature painting group,” says Quilop, “but both my kids like to paint models and miniatures. I like having this group, as it's a good outlet to discuss ideas, help others, and to get some inspiration and motivation to get projects completed. Crafts aren't nearly as fun when you're by yourself.” Quilop says the group has been a great way to meet others, and since the group cannot currently meet in person, it has been meeting by Zoom about once a week. “I'm glad that Paul took the time to create and drive this group and keeping everyone supplied with paint and models,” says Quilop.

Sims says COVID-19 has provided a temporary setback, but the group, meeting only virtually right now, is welcoming members. He gives a nod of thanks to Todd Nolan, Greg Quilop and Kathleen Streck for assisting at meetings. 

If you are interested in joining our Youth and Family Miniature Painting Group or the upcoming Adult Miniature Painting group, please email Sims at [email protected].