Two Birger Sandzén works were auctioned by Salina library. Each sold for six figures

Charles Rankin, Salina Journal
·2 min read
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Two oil paintings, both painted by Lindsborg-based Birger Sandzén, were recently placed for auction by the Salina Public Library from its collection, with each selling for more than $100,000.

"Smoky River," completed in 1921 and "Golden Aspens," completed in 1929, sold for $120,000 and $160,000 respectively. According to Soulis Auctions, which hosted the auctions on Oct. 14, the selling prices do not include a buyer's premium fee.

"Golden Aspens" by the late Birger Sandzén is one of two paintings that the Salina Public Library placed for auction earlier this month. Originally a Swedish native, Sandzén was an art instructor and chair of the art department at Bethany College until his retirement in 1946.
"Golden Aspens" by the late Birger Sandzén is one of two paintings that the Salina Public Library placed for auction earlier this month. Originally a Swedish native, Sandzén was an art instructor and chair of the art department at Bethany College until his retirement in 1946.

The two paintings are landscapes that are part of what the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery describes as his "Middle Years," which lasted from 1910 to 1929.

"This period is often considered the most dynamic and important of Sandzén’s career," the museum's website said. "Kansas and Colorado landscapes came to the forefront during this time and his importance and recognition as a painter increased."

During this time, Sandzén was an art instructor and chair of the art department at Bethany College in Lindsborg.

What is the Salina Public Library's plan for using the funds from this auction?

"Smoky River," by Birger Sandzén was part of the Salina Public Library's collection until it was auctioned off earlier this month. Swedish-born Sandzén was based in Lindsborg at Bethany College at the time this was painted.
"Smoky River," by Birger Sandzén was part of the Salina Public Library's collection until it was auctioned off earlier this month. Swedish-born Sandzén was based in Lindsborg at Bethany College at the time this was painted.

As of now, the library does not yet know what it will do with the funds it will receive from the auctions.

According to Katie Zey, head of marketing for the Salina Public Library, commission fees from the auction house total $8,400, or 3% of the sale price, so the library will receive just over $270,000 from the sales.

"Until the funds are secured from the auction, no decisions will be made as to how these will be utilized," Zey said.

Zey said the library's board of trustees will make that decision after looking at current and future needs at the library.

"We're working on (the) budget for next year, so (most likely) it will incorporated into our budget," Zey said.

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Other art is still present at Salina Public Library

Despite this Sandzén collection of art being sold, art and its appreciation are not absent from the library.

"We have other art throughout the library," Zey said.

One area where art is featured is the south lobby of the library.

"We have what we call Gallery 708 (there)," Zey said. "We actually feature local artists (and) every month that switches out. We're booked out for next year already."

More information about Gallery 708 is found on the library's website.

Zey said the library will continue to support art and has programs like art book clubs and others.

"We are definitely still in support and have many partnerships with art entities around town," Zey said.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina library undecided on what to do with $200K from Sandzén art sale