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.
Local creative powerhouse Ellen Ljung has built a life in art and advocacy
Longtime Tri-Cities creative Ellen Ljung continues to shape the local arts and nonprofit community through her award-winning glasswork, published books, wearable art, and decades of volunteer service around the Tri-Cities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
