By The Shout

The following announcement is based on a press release from the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery.

LINDSBORG — A special exhibition featuring works by visual artist Michaela Valli Groeblacher and poet Kim Stanley has opened at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg. It is one of several art installations associated with the 2026 Prairie Festival (Sept 25-27), celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas. The exhibition will continue through October 18.

The exhibition, "To Bee or Not To Be," explores the interconnectedness of humans and nature. It features Valli Groeblacher’s ceramic pieces, paintings, and photographs paired with poetry by Stanley.

“The individual art pieces show how two minds see this interconnectedness with others and with the earth and nature,” said Valli Groeblacher. “As humans we do not exist in a vacuum, we are connected and dependent. Kim and I think that it is therefore fitting that two artists show as one.”

Valli Groeblacher is recently retired from the art department at McPherson College. She has earned recognition for her work in state and national juried art shows. Stanley is a professor emeritus of English from McPherson College and has led book discussions and writing workshops for Humanities Kansas.

The Sandzén Gallery is located at 401 North First Street in Lindsborg. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Docent tours for groups are available by two-week advance appointment.

For more information about Birger Sandzén, the Gallery, and these exhibitions visit www.sandzen.org or phone 785-227-2220.

Announcements are submissions from arts and cultural organizations and community members. They are published at the discretion of SHOUT editors and may be lightly edited. Send press releases and other announcements to emily@shoutwichita.com.

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