Mulvane Art Museum will be hosting three new exhibits Feb. 1.

The exhibit on the first floor displays the art works of Birger Sandzén, a Swedish artist who spent most of his lifetime in the United States. Sandzén was born in Blidsberg, Sweden, Feb. 5, 1871. He came to Lindsborg, Kan. and joined the faculty of Bethany College at the age of 23. Sandzén stayed in Lindsborg for almost six years until he died in 1954.

In order to honor this dedicated artist, a memorial gallery in Bethany College was constructed through large donations from Sandzén’s family members and friends of Birger Sandzén Memorial Foundation. The exhibition displayed in Mulvane includes various works by Sandzén. Oil paintings, watercolors, lithographies and lino-cuts are just a few.

In the paintings of Sandzén, one might say it’s easy to savor a love for nature.

“Every artist has the opportunity to consult a teacher that is always ready to give the best advice to the sincere and unsophisticated disciple,” said Sandzén. “The name of this great master is Nature.”

Just as what Sandzén said about art, Sandzén always seeks inspirations from nature.

“Being a keen outdoor lover, Sandzén could be fishing at the beginning, while within a blink start drawing at the next moment,” said Carol Emert, Curator of the Mulvane Art Museum.

Sandzén was honored by Swedish Government in 1940 as Knight of the Royal Order of Vasa and Order of the North Star for promotion of cultural relations between Sweden and the United States.

Besides Sandzén’s works, two additional exhibits will be opening Feb. 1.

Located on the second floor, “Small Deaths, Hand-colored Photographs” houses 30 pieces of work by artist Kate Breakey. Each of these works are large-formated silver gelatin photographs that have been hand colored with layers of oil paint and colored pencils. Since Breakey’s childhood in South Australia, Breakey has felt a soft spot for the often unnoticed small animals. The little birds, insects and flowers under Breakey’s brush are fine and delicate. Details of their feathers, wings and petals have been accurately depicted.

The last exhibit, next to Breakey’s, is “Rediscovery” by artist William L. Haney. Haney was born and raised in Kansas. His works, donated by his widow Beverly Haverstock, are now a permanent collection at the Mulvane.

Most of Haney’s paintings, such as “When Is Enough Too Much” and “Shut Off,” express his deep concern about socio-political and media-influenced problems. The titles of his works, as they suggest, are often in a tone of satire.

Sandzén’s works will be displayed until March 24. Breakey and Haney’s works will be displayed until June 9. The Mulvane Art Museum is located at 1700 SW Jewell Ave. Hours at the museum vary through the week. Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesdays – Fridays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays – Sundays: 1 – 4 p.m.