Four exhibitions open at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery on November 2, and continue through January 11. They feature a memorial exhibition of paintings by Maleta Forsberg; works by Lester Raymer, tattoo samples from regional shops; and the annual Holiday Gift Show. The opening reception for the exhibitions will be on Sunday, November 2, from 2:00-4:00pm with exhibition talks beginning at 2:30pm.

Lindsborg artist Maleta Forsberg passed away in August of this year and the Gallery is honored to be able to present a special exhibition of her paintings. As an artist, she was primarily self-taught – taking classes at the Kansas City Art Institute, and workshops with other artists throughout her life. Maleta once said, “Being an artist is an ongoing learning process. There is always something new to try.”

Lester Raymer (1907-1991) was born in Alva, Oklahoma and also spent time growing up in Colorado. He completed academic courses at Northwestern University in Alva, and studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, graduating in 1935.

After a very successful career, he died in June of 1991, leaving to the Raymer Society the task of promoting his life, exhibiting his art, and developing the Red Barn Studio Museum in Lindsborg.

Marked: Art That Lives on the Skin, features tattoo designs from True Love Tattoo and Rogue Collective Tattoos & Piercings in Salina, along with selections from Tenfold Tattoo in Wichita.

The Gallery’s popular Holiday Gift Show completes the selection of new exhibitions. The work of over 40 invited artists are represented in the show and include paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media pieces, and more.

Read more about Forsberg and Raymer and their invaluable contributions to Lindsborg and beyond in the Visit Lindsborg blog. More about the tattoo exhibition and additional photos are also found on the blog.

The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is located at 401 N. First Street. Hours are 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday, and 1:00-5:00pm on Sunday. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Docent tours for groups are available by two-week advance appointment. For more information about Birger Sandzén, the Gallery, and these exhibitions visit www.sandzen.org or phone (785) 227-2220.