Shirley Malm, who painted many Dala horses and other things around Lindsborg, and worked for years as an artist at the Hemslöjd store downtown, died at home July 8. She was 86. Her daughter-in-law, Kathy Malm, said the cause appears to have been a heart attack.
Hemslöjd co-owner Corey Peterson said on Facebook, “Shirley’s work can be found throughout Lindsborg and across North America.” She joined the store in 2003 and continued to paint things brought to her home studio until shortly before her death, Kathy Malm said.
Shirley Ann Harper was born on August 6, 1938, in Hutchinson, where she grew up. She told Malm that in elementary school she had been drawing instead of paying attention when a teacher hung the work on a wall to embarrass her. “I was so proud,” she said. “It was my first art showing.”
In 1956 she received an art scholarship to Bethany College, where she met Virgil Dean Malm. After their marriage and her graduation, they moved to Windom in 1963, returning to Lindsborg in 1973.
She worked for many years in the Bethany College cafeteria, and also painted. She owned and operated The Station art studio and gallery from 1994 to 2003.
Her family said she loved having visitors watch her paint while she told stories of Swedish folk art and traditions. “She could do a master class in all things Swede,” speaking to tour bus passengers and for TV shows, her daughter-in-law said. But when asked about her background she answered, “I’m Swedish by contamination.”
Kathy Malm said that many of Lindsborg’s Dala horses, both the large ones on sidewalks and the small pieces hanging at front porches, are Shirley Malm’s work, signed, “Sam.” She also designed Hyllningsfest program covers, painted the band shell for Broadway RFD performances, created storefront signs, made a welcome sign on Lincoln Street, and created a downtown mural. She served on the Christmas Committee, the Lindsborg Signage Committee, and the Hyllningsfest Committee, and sang for many years in the “Messiah” choir.
She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Marsh of Arlington; son, Harper Malm; grandchildren, Erica Green of Salina, Heather Myers of Lindsborg, Brent Wiseman of Salina, Laynette Rowson of Florida, Carrie Ellis of Lindsborg, and Stephanie Kaiser of Hoisington; and several great-grandchildren.