Donor's gift returns Birger Sandzén painting to Salina in Christmas 'miracle'

After public outcry over the Salina Public Library auctioning off two paintings by Lindsborg artist Birger Sandzén earlier this year, one of the pieces is returning to Salina.

"Smoky River," an oil painting completed in 1921, was accepted into the City of Salina's public art collection after a vote by the city commission on Monday.

The piece comes by donation from the Karen Hale Young family, which acquired the painting during the October auction.

Brad Anderson, director of Salina Arts and Humanities, said the painting was originally purchased by supporters of the Salina Public Library in 1921.

"The Karen Hale Young Family indicated they wished to honor the original women who purchased the work and the Salina community for their strong interest and support for keeping the painting publicly visible in Salina," Anderson said.

Before the auction, a petition was signed by more than 400 people who emphasized the local importance of retaining the Sandzén paintings and inspired the family to help.

Anderson said the family believes the city's public art collection, which includes more than 425 works, was the best way to achieve the goal of keeping the painting for the public to see in Salina.

“Salina Arts and Humanities is thrilled to be trusted with this important gift,” Anderson said. “The Smoky Hill River was the catalyst for Salina’s founding and having this painting as a record and reminder of the beauty of the prairie and dedication of early citizens to the arts is an inspiration for us all.”

The painting is slated to be put on display in the entry gallery of the Smoky Hill Museum.

Salina City Commission happy with outcome of auction situation

Many people in Salina and in the general arts community of Kansas voiced concern on social media and even during a city commission meeting prior to the auction that the paintings were being sold and would possibly be leaving central Kansas.

The commissioners said they were thankful that at this meeting, they were able to take part in bringing one of the paintings back.

"What an amazing holiday gift, or miracle, if you will," said Commissioner Greg Lenkiewicz. "It would be tremendous to have this work of art back into our town."

Commissioner Bill Longbine said he was thankful to the donor as well, particularly after the outcry about the paintings the commission received previously.

"(This donation) turned a tense situation into a positive," Longbine said.

Commissioner Karl Ryan echoed much of what Longbine said and acknowledged that the city owed a debt of gratitude to Young.

"It's nice to have her trust and her generosity to really honor the spirit of the folks in town who have been a part of the art community for generations," Anderson said.

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Next steps for Birger Sandzén painting coming soon

With acceptance of "Smoky River," the city will take on the responsibilities it takes to display the work, including secure access, proper lighting, environmental controls and supervision.

Another aspect will be insuring the painting. The city will receive a post-auction appraisal of the work now that it has been accepted, but the auction price was $120,000, in addition to a buyer's premium paid to the auction house. According to Arts and Humanities, the city's risk manager collaborated with underwriters and estimated an annual expense of $500 to insure the painting.

Finally, upon inspection of the painting after it arrived at Salina Arts and Humanities, there were a few minor findings and recommendations for future restoration, according to curatorial officials from the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg.

Anderson said the city will plan to transport the painting within the next 12 to 18 months to Denver-based conservation specialists for minor restoration and reframing. The donor has agreed to gift an additional $5,000 to the city for this restoration work.

At this time, however, Anderson said the painting's current condition is of a quality that is ready to be displayed with the necessary precautions of security and more.

"With the excitement of the community to see it and to have retained it, it might be nice to celebrate that for a little bit," Anderson said. "We can do so in a responsible way that doesn't take a lot of staff time to get it installed."

Anderson said the plan is to have the painting on display at the museum by the end of 2023.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Donor's gift returns Sandzén painting auctioned by library to Salina