The Artist Bill Swango

Swango Wood Creations
783 E. State Rt. 95, Smithfield, IL 61477
(309) 783-3283

Sixty carvings are on display at the Red Brick School in Smithfield, Illinois. Carvings can be seen during the Spoon River Scenic Drive the first two weekends of October or by
appointment: (309) 783-3283

The 80-year-old Artist, Bill Swango, has been creating his works of art most of his life. It was 50-years ago that he tried carving for the first time and fell in love with this type of artwork and has been creating his wooden masterpieces ever since.

Bill Swango is a native to Fulton County and the town of Smithfield, Illinois, graduating from Cuba High School. Bill is a Veteran of the Korean War serving in the Air force for 4 years from 1949-1952, getting married during the conflict in 1951.

Bill Swango has been married to Shirley Swango for 58-years, a loving wife devoted to his artwork nearly as much as she is devoted to him. Together they have two children, a daughter Cristy Rowland who is a Speech Pathologist, and a son, Rodger Swango who works as an Electrician. Bill and Shirley have also been blest by their children who have given them four beautiful grandchildren.

Once Bill had returned from Korea he gained employment at the Caterpillar Corporation working his way up to their Inspection Department. While at his time working for Caterpillar, Bill began his carving mainly of wildlife but also Western Scenes, and became a well-known and one of the best artists in Fulton County. Although Bill does work on commission, he volunteers much of his time and artworks to many nonprofit organizations, such as: National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and White Tails Unlimited to name a few.

Bill also volunteers as the manager of the Smithfield Community Center located in the Red Brick School, a favorite stop for many especially during the Spoon River Scenic Drive. The Spoon River Drive is a major event held in Fulton County during the fall, known throughout the country if not the World. There Bill’s artwork will be on display at the Red Brick School, and can be seen and admired on the first two weekends of October during the Spoon River Scenic Drive.

Contact Swango Wood Creations by calling: (309) 783-328