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.
Grant Provides Critical Resources to Enhance the Student Experience and Institutional Growth
Lindsborg, Kan. – Bethany College is proud to announce the 2026 Hall of Honor award recipients, recognizing eight individuals whose achievements and service have made a lasting impact on Swede Athletics. "The Athletics Hall of Honor celebrates those who exemplify excellence, leadership, and commitment in sport,” shared Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics. The 2026 class embodies those attributes and much more. From memorable performances in five different sports, to remarkable coaching careers in nearby communities, to local business owners who support our current Swedes students and staff, this entire group has elevated our programs and department and embodied the very best of our institution. We look forward to honoring and celebrating their extraordinary achievements this October.” The annual Bethany College Hall of Honor Award Ceremony celebrates former student-athletes, coaches, and supporters whose excellence, leadership, and dedication have shaped Bethany College athletics. This year's honorees include four Hall of Honor inductees, two Coach of the Year recipients, and two Bethany Athletic Association (BAA) Award of Merit recipients. Bethany College Hall of Honor award winners include: • Sven Delin, a 2001 graduate, was a captain of the golf team that won four consecutive conference championships, leading to four national championship appearances. He won the conference tournament individually...twice! Delin was also a four-year all-conference academic athlete. • Vinny Butka, a 1982 graduate, was a three-time KCAC shot put champion, District 10 indoor shot put champion in 1981, ACCK champion in 1980 and 1982, three-time outdoor national qualifier, and ranks second in Bethany College history for shot put distance. • Tim Leaf, awarded posthumously, a 1981 graduate, was the KCAC Individual Champion in cross country in 1979 and 1980. In 1979, Leaf was the lead runner on Bethany College’s only KCAC championship team. He placed 33rd in the national cross country meet and remains the highest finishing individual in Bethany College history. In track, Leaf won the 1980 5,000-meter race and set the current school record with a time of 15:18.64. • Amy (Yonally) Wilson, a 1999 graduate, was a dual-sport athlete playing softball and volleyball. In volleyball, she was named to an all-conference volleyball team. In softball, Wilson was a four-time all-conference softball player, all-region softball award winner, and made the All-American Farm Team. Bethany College Coach of the Year award winners include: • Kent Teeter, a 1987 graduate, has had many successes over the last 39 years from his time at Hays High School and his current position at Holcomb High School. While coaching football, Teeter has won two state championships and four league titles. He has also been named the Sports in Kansas Coach of the Year twice, KFBCA Coach of the Year in 2015, and KFBCA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024. Along with coaching football, Teeter has also been successful in coaching track and field as he led his Holcomb boys' teams to three consecutive state titles (looking to make it four next year), seven league titles (currently on a four-year streak), and six top three finishes in the state track meet. He has coached over 25 different individual state titles in track and field as well. • Greg Maxwell, a 1997 graduate, coaches both volleyball and girls' basketball at Ellinwood High School. In volleyball, he has over 230 career wins and won the 2025 2A State Championship with a perfect 47-0 record. In girls' basketball, Maxwell led his team to the 2026 2A State Championship, finishing as the runner-up. These were the first ever state tournament wins for Ellinwood who were also the Central Prairie League champions. Maxwell holds a 2A state runner up finish in girls' golf as well. Bethany Athletic Association Award of Merit award winners include: • Danielle (DuMars) Greene and Spencer Greene. Danielle, a 2013 graduate, and her husband have made an immediate impact on Bethany College Athletics. They are a host family for Women’s Basketball, providing numerous meals for the team as well. The Greenes are also the owners of the Ol’ Stuga which hosts the Coaches Radio Show and is a valued partner for both Athletics and Bethany College as a whole. • Brandi Swenson, owner of the Crown & Rye, has also hosted the Coaches Radio Show while also hosting many Swedes Athletics celebrations and playoff sendoff events. In addition, Crown and Rye provided food for the 2026 All Swede Awards, the annual Athletic Department celebration for all teams and student-athletes. The Crown & Rye is a valued partner of Bethany College Athletics. All recipients will be honored during a special ceremony during Homecoming/Inauguration Weekend on Sunday, October 25. About Bethany College Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. CONTACT: Christie Denniston, APR Vice President of Strategic Engagement 303-827-5164 Bethany College 335 East Swensson Street Lindsborg, KS 67456
Recipients Embody the Spirit of Bethany Through Lifelong Service, Generosity, Leadership, and Advocacy
