Swedish culture and an appreciation for nature will be displayed in Siv Lindgren’s Colors of Nature: Oils and Watercolors. Join the Swedish American Museum center in Chicago for the exhibit opening at the Museum on Friday, Jan. 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Gallery walk is on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. The exhibit will be on display through March 15.
Lindgren will display a combination of oil and watercolor landscapes, depicting all four seasons in Sweden and America, as well as floral still-life’s with an emphasis on irises. Her current focus is on winter scenes from Sweden. An avid traveler, Lindgren uses the environment around her as her inspiration, often transforming a vacation photograph into a work of art. The beauty of rural Sweden is the foundation for Lindgren’s love of nature and is reflected in her paintings of flowers and Swedish and American cities and landscapes.
Lindgren was born in Kalix, Sweden, where she was first inspired by her artistic mother’s flower shop and the natural beauty of her homeland. At age 17, she immigrated to Chicago to work with her aunt at a prestigious dress-making shop on Michigan Avenue and attend the Art Institute of Chicago.
Since that time, Lindgren has received training and been influenced by notable artists such as Betty Carr of Sedona, Arizona and Tom Lynch of Naperville, Illinois.
A Northbrook, Ill., resident for over 40 years, Lindgren paints oil and watercolor on canvas and paper. In addition, she transfers her technique to individual glass pieces and vases. She has exhibited her work at many venues and often hosts private shows at her home. Most recently, she was part of The Book Market at Hangar One in the Glen Town Center in Glenview, Ill. Her painted glass pieces were on display at The American Club in Kohler, Wis., four years ago. Lindgren’s technique has been developed over 50 years. She believes that “Beyond technical training, my dedication to painting every day has been the impetus for my personal style.” She also has a hard time parting with many of her paintings because, she says, “they become part of me.”
The Lindgren family has been members of the Museum for over 20 years and Siv is also active with SWEA (Swedish Women’s Educational Association) of Chicago. Many SWEA board members have received a framed hand-painted note card from Lindgren when they leave the SWEA board.
Please join us for the exhibit opening on January 16, at 6-8 pm. The exhibit will be on display through March 15, 2009.
Museum Hours Museum Admission
Closed Mondays $4 – adults
Tuesday – Friday (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) $3 – seniors, children
Saturday & Sunday (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Free – members & children 1 & under