Harriet Lane
Sandra Klingbeil Adkins
Watercolor, pencil, collage (mixed)
$300
Artist Statement
Upon being assigned to Harriet Lane as my First Lady and researching her story, I was quite taken with her. Apparently that was her testimony - she captured the public imagination like very few first ladies have throughout history. She was the adopted nice of James Buchanan - America’s only life-long bachelor president. Harriet took up residence in the White House in 1857 and immediately won legions of admirers for her magnetic personality and youthful good looks. She livened up the administration in part by redecorating the White House and hosting popular dinner parties. Impressive for her age, she also adopted an outreach project by working to improve conditions on Indian reservations. Among other philanthropic works, she was instrumental in founding a children’s clinic at John Hopkins Hospital (which continues today), and was the founding donor of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
About the Artist
Having her first exhibitions by the age of 17, Sandra has participated in events and shows throughout the country. After opening Exvoto Art and Design Studio in Medford, WI, she relocated to Madison in 2013. Sandra’s work has been exhibited at the Municipal Building downtown, Winnebago Studios, Madison’s utility box program, Marzen and Integrated Art Group, Paint the Music, among other venues. She resides in Madison with her husband, singer/songwriter Mark Adkins and family. www.sandraklingbeil.com