Barton Community College art instructor Steve Dudek has been invited to showcase his work at the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery a special invitational show, “Embracing Nature.”  His work will be on display from Sept. 9 through Oct. 19, with an evening, nature-themed reception on from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13.
“Embracing Nature” is an exhibition featuring nature-inspired works by invited artists and from the Gallery’s collection.  The initial idea for the exhibit came about two years ago during one of the Gallery’s quarterly show committee meetings.  Occasionally, the group decides it would like to see a special themed show in the exhibition areas.  After brainstorming possibilities, the group settled on “Embracing Nature.”  Nature, as subject matter, has been represented in art from the earliest of times and is open to wide interpretation.  The Gallery’s namesake, Birger Sandzen, wrote in the January, 1915, issue of The Fine Arts Magazine, “Fortunately, every artist has the opportunity of consulting a teacher that is always ready to give the very best advice to the sincere and unsophisticated disciple.  The name of this great master is Nature…Individuality and nature in honest partnership will always create new and fascinating works of art, that will never grow old and never weaken.”
Each member was then asked to select three artists they would most like to see in the show, along with a piece of their own artwork. Dudek was one of the artists selected.
The Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery is located at 401 N. First St. in Lindsborg.  It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.  For more information about the gallery visit sandzen.org.