On January 16, my husband and I ventured to Lindsborg, Ks. Our first stop was the Birger Sandzen Art Museum/Gallery on the Bethany College campus. I was totally blown away by the BRIGHT colors--some of them almost neon colored. We had a docent, and this helped alot. Because I had called and told them I was an art teacher, they provided me with a free book about Birger Sandzen (mine to keep), and loaned me a big portfolio of information: palette, brushes, ink pad, reproductions, etc. for free (this includes a flash drive of the entire portfolio information), as well. I did, however, have the expense of mailing it back to them at the cost of $9.60. The museum has a wall of postcards, and books, and other information about Sandzen. It would be a great place to take a group of students. (Sadly, the cost and travel time would prohibit me from doing this with my students.) Did you know that Sandzen painted nearly 2,800 oils, 500 watercolors, and made over 33,000 prints? What a busy artist! He also taught over 60 years.
We also went to a shop called Hemsljod. (Pronounced Hems-loyd). They handpaint Dala horses there. Dala horses signify welcome. There were cool wooden sculptures outside this business. Handcrafted Horses, an article in the Salina Journal (in Kansas on Sunday, January 25, 2015) features Shirley Malm, an artist who paints the horses. For more information on this article, contact Deputy Editor, Sharon Montague at 1-800-827-6363 ex 129 or email at smontague@salina.com.
Lindsborg has many art-related places to visit. We even found a large mural that emcompasses a whole wall on a building. Food was another matter. Don't go at the normal eating time 5:30-6:30. Pick an off hour, because the whole town shows up when you do. We ate at a really good place. I still am wondering how they make money when they served both of us atleast 2 lbs or more of tator tots. I am serious!! We stayed at a hotel, which served a Swedish breakfast. I have grown fond of that round rye cracker! Delicious!!
If you want more information on getting the portfolio, or visiting the museum, check out www.sandzen.org. or call them at (785) 227-2220. Email: fineart@sandzen.org. The museum is open Tuesday -Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 -5 p.m.
