Inside Sandzen Spring 07

INSIDE SANDZÉN
This feature, highlighting a discovery relating to Sandzén from the archives, will be periodically updated on the website and is planned for each issue of Gallery Notes.

SANDZÉN as Teacher

Recently the Sandzén Archives acquired from an internet posting a book written by a researcher in these archives, Dr. Mary Towley Swanson. A full report of the book, The Tangled Web: Swedish Immigrant Artists Patronage Systems, 1880-1940, may be found in the Spring 2007 issue of Gallery Notes, distributed to all members of the Gallery. In this book reference is made to a writer who credits Sandzén's success as a teacher to his winning personality.

The following excerpt of a letter, written to Birger Sandzén on November 18, 1947, by a student who had graduated from Bethany College in 1919, seems to confirm this judgment. The complete letter is also available in the Spring 2007 Gallery Notes.

My dear Prof. and Mrs. Sandzén,

. . . . For years I have felt that I must write to express my deep debt to you, Prof. Sandzén, for the priceless lessons you have taught. Under your kindly guidance we may not have mastered all the Spanish conjugations but I came to realize something of the meaning of truth, beauty, and a genuine regard for fine human qualities regardless of nationality.

I shall always remember how tangible you made the meaning of the Bible verse, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." You spoke of it first with regard to painting and a painter's technique in History of Art class, and then you went on to point out other phases of our lives in which the verse was also applicable.

There are many more that come to mind, but more even than the words of wisdom you gave, there was just that indescribable, completely fine and gently personality that is YOU, Dr. Sandzén--it is this last that makes you so thoroughly beloved among your students.

I have always felt fortunate indeed to know one person whose life and whose world outlook were so far in advance of his century as are yours, Prof. Sandzén. [She then cites a second person, met much more recently, who is also "a most noble person," and now she feels "doubly blessed."]

. . . . Flattery is perhaps the most detestable thing I can conceive of, and I only hope that somehow you will know that what I have finally brought myself to put down on paper, is simply the expression of gratitude and deep admiration that I have so long held in my thoughts toward you. With every good wish for health and continued happiness to you, Prof. Sandzén, Mrs. Sandzén, and Margaret, I remain,

Most humbly,

Inez (Dunkelberger) Steggerda