Bill Peterson, 84, a long-time resident has transformed what some may see as a retirement hobby into a craft that rivals the town's history in depth and detail. On display this fall at the Coon Rapids Civic Center, Peterson's collection of turned-wood bowls and sculptures is hitting a chord with art enthusiasts.

Once a tool maker who spent 44 arduous years coaxing precision parts from metal lathes, Peterson has long since swapped out metal for wood. "Now I'm all done with metal slivers, I just got wood slivers," he told Coon Rapids officials. Though not one to meticulously count the hours dedicated to each piece, Peterson's craft is not merely to pass time but to create a legacy, often reflecting to fondly remember his late wife Jeanette and their 61 years together, who was his ultimate critic and support. "I was always happy if she said, ‘This one's mine,’ because that was a perfect one," Peterson reminisced.

Peterson's works are particularly unique due to his use of exotic hardwoods sourced from around the globe. Some of his pieces are created from a solitary block of wood, while others are masterfully constructed from numerous segments, demanding a stringent application of mathematics to ensure each angle fits precisely with its neighbor.

Bill Peterson might not sit down every single day to intentionally shape and sand his wood, but whenever he does, it is to thoroughly enjoy the process. In his own words, "I go out there and enjoy it having fun," Peterson said, as he summed up his dedication to his craft.