An exhibition in Lindsborg, Kansas, illustrates the practice of art collecting. On view through this Sunday at the Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center, 114 1/2 S. Main St., "Lindsborg Collects Lindsborg Art" includes pieces from the collections of Lindsborg residents and businesses. Each is accompanied by information about the collector, how they acquired the work, and why they added it to their collection. These stories are fascinating. Some are deeply moving, like Sawyer Lysell-Alkire’s account of "1,000 Prayers," composed of 1,000 origami cranes folded by local artists to commemorate a family member who died in a car accident. Others are relatable: Rachell Goodwin recounts buying a ceramic bowl by Michaela Groeblacher at a local boutique to keep for herself instead of making progress on her holiday gift shopping. (You can find some of these narratives on the SVAFC Facebook page.) The exhibition honors many significant Lindsborg artists, both living and dead, including Mri Pilar, Ron Michael, Anton Pearson, and Lester Raymer. It’s a beautiful reminder that art can come into our lives in many ways and for many reasons. 

Several of the works in “Lindsborg Collects” were purchased at a Raymer Society consignment auction. Another will take place beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 224 S. Main St. The nearly 150 pieces of art that will be on the block, which include works by Raymer and members of the Prairie Printmakers, can be viewed online. Bidders may attend the auction in person, place absentee bids in advance, or bid online in real time. 

The auctions, usually held twice a year, generate income for the nonprofit organization, the steward of the Red Barn Studio Museum. I attended a Raymer Society auction earlier this year, and it was as thrilling as having courtside seats to a particularly exciting basketball game. If I were not traveling Saturday, I’d be heading back to Lindsborg to take in the action. 

If you go, be advised that the bidding may extend into late afternoon, so you may want to pack a lunch. And check out “Lindsborg Collects,” of course — the two events are a perfect pairing.

— Emily Christensen is a small-time art collector and the editor of The SHOUT.

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