Some artists start with paint or clay. For St. Charles native Bill Bergeson, it started with an engineer’s eye, a love of history, and a piece of weathered wood that felt too beautiful to ignore.

The woodworker extraordinaire grew up in a house on Randall Road when it was still a gravel road ending in Ferson Creek. He spent his childhood playing in what is now Wild Rose subdivision, and he used to sneak off to the Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve to try—mostly unsuccessfully—to ride horses.

Here’s what Bill had to say about his creative journey, his process, and the community that’s helped shape his work.

After retiring from 25 years as an engineer at IYC-St. Charles out on Route 38, Bill found that he enjoyed rebuilding his kitchen. When it was done, though, he found himself at a loss for what to do next. 

When his youngest son was working on his master’s degree in Biology at Ball State in Indiana, he asked if Bill could build some bat houses for his project. Together, they designed a bat house — and now have over 50 spread around southern Indiana.

That experience stirred up a passion, setting the stage for a new adventure.

The symbolism and mythology of the barn quilts of the upper Midwest have always appealed to Bill. A barn quilt is a large, painted wooden panel featuring a traditional quilt block pattern, used as folk art on barns, homes, and other buildings to celebrate rural heritage and beautify spaces. 

Its roots may trace back to early European immigrants, though the modern movement started in the 2000s. These geometric designs, often 4-by-4 or 8-by-8 feet in size, are made from wood or composite panels and are visible from a distance, serving as landmarks and storytellers of local culture.

When Bill discovered barnwood that had been molded by time and weather, he found the textures and colors created by this process to be irresistible. Combining those colors and textures with the tradition of barn quilts gave him a whole new avenue to explore. Lately he’s been incorporating the history of the Southwest as well. 

“I get ideas while researching cultures and keeping my eyes and mind open. As an example, I am currently attempting to adapt a sunset view to a mountain series I make,” Bill said. “Never closing your eyes to an idea lets you see so much more life.”

Bill usually has several pieces, all in different stages, going at the same time. 

“My style has changed over time. As I improve my skills I can adapt more ideas to my voice,” he said.

Being chosen by several art professionals as one of several best-in-show artists and best new artist at an early show gave him confidence. Support from the members of the St. Charles Arts Council has inspired him to keep pushing.

“I cannot emphasize enough the support from the Arts Council, a large group of artists of different disciplines all supporting each other,” Bill said.

He is also starting to collaborate with several other artists, joining his woodworking with their painting, and learning how to best blend their visions.

Bill’s father instilled a belief in community service — and for Bill, it’s not just talk. He was a committed scouting volunteer when his boys were growing up.

“My father taught me we are not alone in this world and helping each other works not only for others but ourselves,” he said. “One of my proudest achievements was running a food drive that included most of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in the Tri-Cities. We filled food pantries, from South Elgin to North Aurora, for three years.” 

Caitlin Palagi, Digital Content and Marketing Director for the St. Charles Arts Council, sings Bill’s praises as well.

“He is the epitome of giving back through his craft, time, and energy,” Palagi said. “He is very involved in the behind-the-scenes of St. Charles Plein Air. Bill is known for giving pieces of his work to others in hopes of spreading light.” 

Bill’s advice for other local artists: “Look around, go to art shows — most artists will be happy to talk styles and how they do what they do. Come down to an Arts Council meeting and ask questions. It would be great to see you. Come get a smile.”

Find Bill’s work on Instagram (@berges_woodshop), at Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, and at numerous art shows like Barrington’s Art in the Barn and the Lakeshore Art Festival in Muskegon, Michigan.

This piece was written by Ellen Jo Ljung, a longtime Geneva resident, author, award-winning educator, and glass artist. Visit her website to learn more.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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