William John Ellingson (1933 - 1994)

William (Bill) Ellingson was born in Forrestburg, South Dakota, on March 29, 1933. After active duty in the U.S. Air Force, he earned a BFA degree in painting and drawing from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1960 and an MFA in printmaking from the University of Iowa in 1963. He had additional education from the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and the University of Minnesota. Ellingson taught printmaking in the Department of Art at St. Cloud State University from 1963 until his retirement. He died on February 13, 1994.

Ellingson had a very successful career, with his prints being featured in both national and international exhibitions.  In addition, his work was selected for the “Arts in Embassies” program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

His art is in many permanent collections such as those of the University of Iowa, St. Cloud University, Luther College, Nelson Gallery in Kansas City, and the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minnesota.  He also sold many art works to private collectors in the US, Japan, Germany, Denmark and England.