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The Path to Your Purpose
New Exhibitions Opening at the Sandzén Gallery in January
December 31, 2019
LINDSBORG— New exhibitions opening at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg include the Kansas Scenic Byways Invitational, Asian art from the Lundblad Collection, mixed media works by Christina Lamoureaux, and selections from the art students at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg. The exhibitions open on Sunday, January 19, 2020, with an afternoon reception from 2 to 4 p.m., and talks beginning at 2:30. The shows will continue through March 15, 2020.
The Kansas Scenic Byways Invitational presents the works of 33 artists inspired by locations along the designed routes in Kansas. There are twelve recognized byways – nine of them are scenic (two being designated National Scenic Byways) and three are historic trails. The Byways are a component of the National Scenic Byways Program, and “seek to identify and designate national scenic byways to increase tourism and educate the traveling public about our environment, history and culture.”
Similar to other invitationals, the idea for this one came out of one of the Gallery’s quarterly show committee meetings. Maleta Forsberg gets credit for introducing the idea, and the rest of the committee enthusiastically jumped on board. After establishing the theme, each committee member was asked to select five artists they would like to see in the show. Those invited were asked to base their works on one or more of the designated Byways. Their imagery could come directly from the landscape or indirectly from personal experiences of the various areas. Additionally, Sue Schlegel, from Lindsborg, was able to secure a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism to help fund an exhibition catalog.
The Lundblad Collection of Asian art is a Lindsborg highlight, with a wonderful variety of hanging scroll paintings, ceramics, woodblock prints, kimono, and more. Nancy and “Doc” Lundblad lived in Japan for many years, working with the US Air Force medical corps. They enjoyed traveling all over the islands of Japan, from southern Okinawa to northern Hokkaido, as well as taking trips to Hong Kong and other exotic places when the opportunity arose. The Lundblads primarily collected Japanese and Chinese art pieces but also appreciated discovering such things as Southeast Asian Buddhist and Hindu votive bronzes, along with finely-crafted home furnishings including inlaid chests, embroidered textiles, and festival dolls.
Pulse of the Prairie features the work of Hoisington High School art instructor, Christina Lamoureaux, and will consist of imagery done on a variety of surfaces including paper, canvas, masonite, clay and nostalgic objects with applications of paint, glazes and encaustics. In 2014, Lamoureaux earned an MFA in multimedia and earlier received a MA in printmaking from Fort Hays State University. She writes “My art making responses are the result of experiences in printmaking, drawing, painting and clay building. I am inspired by the beautiful earth, filled with shapes and forms, and its shape shifters such as wind. I find myself rendering images by pressing textures and shapes into the paint and clay, capturing a sense of the pulse of everyday life that’s forever on the move.”
Art by students from Smoky Valley High School round out the exhibitions. They will be showing works in several media selected by instructor Gretchen Elliot.
The Sandzén Gallery is located at 401 North First Street in Lindsborg and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Gallery is closed on Mondays. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Docent tours for groups are available by two-week advance appointment. For more information about Birger Sandzén and the Sandzén Gallery visit the website www.sandzen.org or call (785) 227-2220.
The Kansas Scenic Byways Invitational presents the works of 33 artists inspired by locations along the designed routes in Kansas. There are twelve recognized byways – nine of them are scenic (two being designated National Scenic Byways) and three are historic trails. The Byways are a component of the National Scenic Byways Program, and “seek to identify and designate national scenic byways to increase tourism and educate the traveling public about our environment, history and culture.”
Similar to other invitationals, the idea for this one came out of one of the Gallery’s quarterly show committee meetings. Maleta Forsberg gets credit for introducing the idea, and the rest of the committee enthusiastically jumped on board. After establishing the theme, each committee member was asked to select five artists they would like to see in the show. Those invited were asked to base their works on one or more of the designated Byways. Their imagery could come directly from the landscape or indirectly from personal experiences of the various areas. Additionally, Sue Schlegel, from Lindsborg, was able to secure a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism to help fund an exhibition catalog.
The Lundblad Collection of Asian art is a Lindsborg highlight, with a wonderful variety of hanging scroll paintings, ceramics, woodblock prints, kimono, and more. Nancy and “Doc” Lundblad lived in Japan for many years, working with the US Air Force medical corps. They enjoyed traveling all over the islands of Japan, from southern Okinawa to northern Hokkaido, as well as taking trips to Hong Kong and other exotic places when the opportunity arose. The Lundblads primarily collected Japanese and Chinese art pieces but also appreciated discovering such things as Southeast Asian Buddhist and Hindu votive bronzes, along with finely-crafted home furnishings including inlaid chests, embroidered textiles, and festival dolls.
Pulse of the Prairie features the work of Hoisington High School art instructor, Christina Lamoureaux, and will consist of imagery done on a variety of surfaces including paper, canvas, masonite, clay and nostalgic objects with applications of paint, glazes and encaustics. In 2014, Lamoureaux earned an MFA in multimedia and earlier received a MA in printmaking from Fort Hays State University. She writes “My art making responses are the result of experiences in printmaking, drawing, painting and clay building. I am inspired by the beautiful earth, filled with shapes and forms, and its shape shifters such as wind. I find myself rendering images by pressing textures and shapes into the paint and clay, capturing a sense of the pulse of everyday life that’s forever on the move.”
Art by students from Smoky Valley High School round out the exhibitions. They will be showing works in several media selected by instructor Gretchen Elliot.
The Sandzén Gallery is located at 401 North First Street in Lindsborg and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Gallery is closed on Mondays. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Docent tours for groups are available by two-week advance appointment. For more information about Birger Sandzén and the Sandzén Gallery visit the website www.sandzen.org or call (785) 227-2220.
LINDSBORG, KAN., FEB. 5, 2025 — The Bethany Oratorio Society is excited to announce the soloists for the 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts. Since its founding in 1882, the Oratorio Society has performed Bach’s The Passion According to St. Matthew and Handel’s Messiah every year, and this year’s festival promises another spectacular celebration of these works. Featured soloists for this year’s performances include Claire Herzog, coloratura soprano; Michelle Rice, soprano; Maxwell Ary, tenor; and Ian Schipper, bass-baritone. These talented artists will bring their expertise and passion to the stage in performances of The Passion According to St. Matthew and the Messiah. Additionally, these soloists will perform a free recital at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 , at Messiah Lutheran Church on the campus of Bethany College. They will also perform at the ticketed events: The Passion According to St. Matthew at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in Presser Hall Auditorium. Tickets for these performances can be purchased at messiahfestival.org or by calling Bethany College at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8235, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Claire Herzog, Coloratura Soprano A versatile coloratura soprano from Springfield, Missouri, Claire Herzog is equally passionate about teaching and performing. She has appeared in operatic roles with the Ozarks Lyric Opera and is an active performer with various choral groups. Herzog holds degrees from Missouri State University and is currently on the vocal music faculty at Evangel University. In addition to her vocal expertise, she enjoys composing and collaborating with other musicians, with recent projects including an album of original songs and Heart on the Wall performances with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra. Michelle Rice, Soprano Praised for her “tones of pure gold” (Washington Post), Michelle Rice brings a rich timbre and intense performance to the stage. Throughout her career, Rice has performed a wide range of roles, including Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde and Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. As the Artistic Director of Seven Sisters Productions, she has premiered new works, including the opera The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead. Rice’s performances span opera, concert, and recital, and she has sung with major ensembles across the U.S., including the Berkeley Symphony and Washington Concert Opera. Maxwell Ary, Tenor A versatile performer and educator based in San Francisco, Maxwell Ary is renowned for his wide-ranging voice, which spans genres from classical to jazz, musical theatre, and pop. Ary, who teaches at the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, has performed with prestigious ensembles, including Seraphic Fire and Voces8. He has appeared in operas such as The Rake’s Progress, L’elisir d’amore, and recently performed in the baroque opera La Flora with Ars Minerva. Ary’s 2025 performance schedule includes Lamplighters Musical Theater and Pocket Opera engagements. Ian Schipper, Bass-Baritone A dynamic performer known for his commitment to classical and contemporary music, Ian Schipper has appeared in operas such as Die Zauberflöte and Cosi fan tutte. He has sung in choral groups across the U.S., including the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Schipper is also passionate about new music and has collaborated with composers through his work with St. Olaf College’s Spiritus Novus. He recently performed the role of Cardinal Rottweiler in the world premiere of The Grand Hotel Tartarus. Join us for these unforgettable performances as these talented soloists join the Bethany Oratorio Society in bringing two of the most cherished works in the choral repertoire to life. For more information, including ticket purchases, please visit messiahfestival.org . Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
Bethany College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing.
This semester, the department continues its tradition of offering a wide variety of performances, from student and faculty recitals to large-scale ensemble concerts. These events provide opportunities for the Lindsborg community and surrounding areas to experience the vibrant cultural and artistic contributions of the college.