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Sandzén family beside portrait of Birger Sandzén

Dr. Charles Pelham Greenough 3rd, Mrs. Margaret Greenough, and Mrs. Birger Sandzén, beside portrait of Birger Sandzén.

The Birger
Sandzén
Memorial
Gallery
and
its History

The idea for a gallery to honor Birger Sandzén was initially launched in 1955 with the incorporation of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Foundation: its primary purpose being to construct an art gallery in memory of Birger Sandzén on the Bethany College campus. Incorporators of the Foundation were Sandzén's daughter, Mrs. Margaret Sandzén Greenough; his son-in-law, Charles Pelham Greenough, 3rd. of Lindsborg; and W. D. P. Carey of Hutchinson. Serving with them on the initial board of directors were Robert Mortvedt, John F. Hayes, William H. Taylor, Sr., and Ray V. Stapp. The gallery was made possible through a large donation made by Dr. and Mrs. Charles Pelham Greenough, 3rd., as well as numerous donations from friends of the Foundation.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, August 29, 1956 to begin construction of what would be the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery. The officiating minister was Rev. Elmer Danielson and participants in the ceremony included Mrs. Birger Sandzén, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Pelham Greenough, 3rd, and Dr. Robert Mortvedt. A flag raising ceremony and recital was held on Bethany College's Founders Day on October 15, 1957.
The architects for the Gallery were Robert Wehrli and Harold D. Engstrom of Casper, Wyoming. Initial work began on August 1, 1956, with the building being constructed of light steel and a red brick veneer facing 65 feet wide by 149 feet long. The gallery contains ten exhibition areas which include two corridors, two large rooms, four smaller rooms, a sculpture hall and a room for guest artists. The architects' design provides an extensive exhibition area and a climate-controlled environment to protect the art. Actual construction of the gallery was completed by Johnson Brothers Construction Company of Salina, Kansas.

The Gallery was dedicated on Sunday, October 20, 1957 in a service conducted by Rev. N. Everett Hedeen and Bethany College President Robert Mortvedt. It was held in the Thorsén Room, named in honor of Prof. Emeritus Johan Oscar Thorsén. The gallery officially opened to the public on Tuesday, November 12, 1957 with the first exhibition being a retrospective of art by Birger Sandzén from 1910 to 1952.

Ground breaking ceremonies

Members of the ground breaking ceremonies for the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery are (L to R) Dr. Elmer Danielson, C. P. Greenough 3rd, William H. Taylor Sr., Dr. Robert Mordvedt, Mrs. Birger Sandzén and Mrs. Margaret Greenough.

Birger Sandzén Memorial Foundation Mission Statement

The Birger Sandzén Memorial Foundation exists to ensure the preservation and promotion of the art of Birger Sandzén and his contemporaries, and to enhance the cultural life of Kansas and the nation, through the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery.

Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery's Collections and Exhibitions

The focal point of the gallery's art collections is the work of Birger Sandzén. It houses the largest and most extensive collection of his paintings, prints, drawings and watercolors found anywhere in the world. Among other artists represented in the collections are Henry Varnum Poor, Doel Reed, Carl Milles, Marsden Hartley, B.J.O. Nordfelt, John Bashor, Lester Raymer, Raymond Jonson, and John Stuart Curry. The gallery also has an impressive collection of prints, ranging from European to American regionalist printmakers and a variety of art from Asia.

The art of Birger Sandzén is exhibited throughout the year, along with guest artists and special traveling exhibitions. In fact, more than 900 exhibitions and guest artists shows have been displayed since the gallery opened in 1957. In addition, gallery talks, chamber music concerts, docent tours, and educational programs are also an integral aspect of the gallery's activities. Through the exhibits and activities, the gallery seeks to continue the work of Sandzén by encouraging young and developing artists. Gallery docents strongly believe in educating the next generation of visitors today.
Gallery Calendar Gallery Archives An exhibition of portraits painted by Margaret Sandzén Greenough

An exhibition of portraits painted by Margaret Sandzén Greenough
in the Brase Room of the gallery.		 Membership Sales Items