Bill Defenbaugh

Bill Defenbaugh is a painter, muralist, and snow sculptor based in Ely, Minnesota. Educated at Wabash College and Oklahoma City University Law School, he practiced law for decades before dedicating himself fully to art in retirement. He studied painting under George Morrison at the Grand Marais Art Colony and co-founded the Northern Lakes Arts Association. His mural "The End of an Era" was the first public mural commissioned in Ely, kicking off a community-wide arts initiative. Defenbaugh has also represented the United States in international snow carving competitions.