Bill Bale (or Sandhill Bill, as he signs himself) specializes in Arts & Crafts style furniture. He’s been a WAAC member since he started his business in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, in 1995. The final WAAC winter show held at the Holiday Inn was his first ever art fair. “After that first scary outing, I started volunteering with the group and making friends along the way. This has made all of my art fairs more fun, never knowing which gypsy friend will pull into the next booth space,” Bill said.

When it comes to work, he doesn’t really have a typical day. He spends most of the day in the shop plugging away at the next project. Unlike most artists, almost all of his work is commissioned. The purpose of an art fair for him is to hand out brochures and create interest. For Bill, to get the booth fee back at a show is unusual. “I really get tired of people telling me how slow this show is, when they’ve only sold $5000 worth. It's all perspective. Mine comes over time.”

Bill’s workshop is wonderful. He has a 40 x 60 foot steel building—about half of which is made into shop and showroom space. That’s right, he has a full-time showroom, a luxury most artists only dream of. “Lucky me!! My workshop is now large enough to have room to work without having to be continually moving things around just to work. It truly is a dream shop,” Bill confirmed.

Another thing Bill has been enjoying is getting the Earth,Wood, and Fire Studio Tour going. It started four years ago with two locations and four artists. This year it’s up to twelve artists at nine locations. “I'm really happy to be bringing these other fine artists and craftspeople to the attention of the general public and their neighbors,” Bill said. The tour has already attracted patrons from over 300 miles away. “It really has proved to be a great way to bring people in. They love the idea of getting a behind-the-scenes look into our lives. Oh, the glamour of being an artist!!!”

“I only do about a half dozen shows a year. The two WAAC shows are my favorites—more friends, home-court comfort zone. Any other questions?”

As a matter of fact, yes. How long have you been an artist? Were you interested as a child or did you become interested later in life?

How long have you been an artist?
My first art fair was in '95, the last WAAC show at the Holiday Inn. It was an evolution from being a carpenter. I really didn't like being out in the elements, particularly the cold.

Why do you work in wood?

It's the only thing I know.

Describe your technique.

Sand, sand, sand, and then sand some more. Just kidding. I use traditional woodworking joinery techniques, made with modern tools.

If you couldn't be an artist, what other profession would interest you?

I can't imagine ever having to go back to a "real" job. If I could change medium I'd love to be able to work with glass.

What do you like least about being an artist? Most?

Least—The risk of foul weather at art fairs (and port-a-potties). I dislike getting ready for shows.
Most—My independence, I have a great boss. Plus the clients I have are just really nice. Working with them through the process they all become friends, which makes every town a little bit of a social gathering. I probably enjoy imagining—telling everybody I'm my own boss?

If your art were a food, what would it be and why?

Something high in fiber I guess. What the heck kind of question is that?

Any biographical information such as age, married, children, interesting facts, awards.

Old enough to know better. I've been married to Wendy for 27 years, and we have a daughter, Lezlie, and a grandson, Sean, and a second grandson due late in November.

Functional furniture doesn't get a lot of attention from judges, but last year I got the surprise of my career and my first ever best of category at Madison's Art Fair Off the Square. I was even more surprised to get another at the West End Festival a few weeks later.

The Earth, Wood, and Fire Studio Tour is October 25th and 26th this year. If you want more information you may reach Bill at 920-568-0333. He doesn’t always hear the phone because he’s got machinery on, so you may wish to check out his Web site (the address is below) or email him at sandhill@sandhilldesigns.com.

Bill's work can be seen at our annual July Art Fair off the Square and our November Winter Art Festival, both in Madison, Wisconsin. You can learn much more about his work on his Web site at:

www.sandhilldesigns.com