Ellen Jo Ljung

Ellen Jo Ljung is longtime Geneva resident, author, award-winning educator, and arts enthusiast. Learn more: https://imwriter.com/Biography/

Artist profile

Meet the master St. Charles basketweaver who never stops learning

Mar 16, 2026

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6 min read

Meet the master St. Charles basketweaver who never stops learning

A St. Charles basketweaver who got her start at a park district class in 1984 has spent the last four decades teaching her craft at Fine Line Creative Arts Center and weaving herself into the fabric of the local arts community.

Ellen Jo Ljung

Artist profile

From engineer to artist: Bill Bergeson’s woodworking journey

Feb 4, 2026

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6 min read

From engineer to artist: Bill Bergeson’s woodworking journey

St. Charles woodworker Bill Bergeson blends barn quilts, reclaimed barnwood, and local roots into art that’s earned recognition — and deepened his connection to the community.

Ellen Jo Ljung

Artist profile

Liza Mitchem finds focus and fantasy in clay at Water Street Studios

Jan 3, 2026

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7 min read

Liza Mitchem finds focus and fantasy in clay at Water Street Studios

Batavia artist Liza Mitchem is building a distinctive ceramics practice at Water Street Studios, blending science, fantasy, and animal portraiture into wheel-thrown pieces that have quickly found a local following.

Ellen Jo Ljung

Artist profile

Local artist spotlight: Bill McGrath of Batavia

Dec 13, 2025

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5 min read

Local artist spotlight: Bill McGrath of Batavia

Batavia sculptor and former city administrator Bill McGrath continues to grow his craft during “refinement” (don’t call it retirement), creating original metal artwork and serving on the board of Water Street Studios.

Ellen Jo Ljung

Artist profile

How Cathy Borders builds community through storytelling

Dec 1, 2025

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5 min read

How Cathy Borders builds community through storytelling

Local author and entrepreneur leads a wide range of creative work that supports local authors, strengthens the Fox Valley writing community, and fuels her own evolving projects.

Ellen Jo Ljung

Artist profile

Local artist Carly Palmer explores life through layers of art

Nov 13, 2025

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6 min read

Local artist Carly Palmer explores life through layers of art

Batavia-based artist and teacher Carly Palmer blends collage, painting, and writing to explore creativity, curiosity, and self-discovery while inspiring others through her workshops at Water Street Studios.

Ellen Jo Ljung

Artist profile

St. Charles artist Cara Buono finds beauty in the discarded

Oct 29, 2025

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4 min read

St. Charles artist Cara Buono finds beauty in the discarded

Local designer Cara Buono is transforming vintage and discarded materials into unique, faith-inspired clothing and teaching others her craft through classes at Fine Line Creative Arts Center.

Ellen Jo Ljung