Richard Bergen (1925-2020) pencil study for the "Terrible Swede" sculpture on Bethany College, Lindsborg KS, pencil signed by the artist in lower right, good condition, 27.25 x 9. Dr. Richard D. Bergen, the Kansas artist whose iconic bronze sculpture Ad Astra graces the capitol building in Topeka, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020, in Salina. He was 95. Bergen and son Rich partnered for over 35 years in the Bergen's Sculpture Studio, a north Santa Fe Avenue gallery and work space, where together they crafted more than 40 monumental bronze sculptures and other works of public art found in cities across Kansas. Named Distinguished Kansan of the Year in 2006, Bergen was a lifelong advocate for the arts and education, who came to Kansas on the GI bill to study art at Bethany College after service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He ultimately earned degrees from three Kansas institutions of higher education and inspired hundreds of his own students to embrace the creative arts. Bergen made Salina his home for nearly 65 years.

good

35.25 x 15.25 x 1.5 in

7.5 lb