In conjunction with the week-long activities hosted during the Smoky Valley Chamber Music Festival, the Red Barn Studio Museum and local artists of Lindsborg are reviving an old tradition, the Spring Artist Studio Open House on May 23, 10:00am-2:00pm.

This is an opportunity for both music and the visual arts to be experienced together, as was often the case in Lester Raymer’s studio. Lester often wrote letters to friends and family about attending concerts at Bethany College’s Presser Hall and hosting the director or the principal cellist. He listened to and watched symphonies and orchestras on NPR and PBS. It was a regular part of his life and part of the environment he created for himself at the Red Barn.

Through hosting the Artist Studio Open House in conjunction with the Chamber Music Festival, we are once again inviting musicians into the studio and honoring Lester’s own love of music.

Alongside the festival, the Red Barn is also sharing something new: “Lester’s Studio Sounds,” a playlist built from the music Lester mentioned in his letters. The playlist includes Brahms, Mahler, and Beethoven. You are invited to follow the playlist by clicking on the following links: Apple Music link or Spotify link.

The Red Barn Studio Museum is located at 212 S. Main Street and is open Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm. For more information, contact the Red Barn Studio Museum at 785-227-2217.