Special Left Bank exhibit to highlight work of McGregor’s Margery Goergen

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

A new special exhibit at The Left Bank Shop and Gallery in McGregor will feature a collection of vintage, hand-colored photographs created by one of the city’s most notable historic figures, photographer Margery Goergen.

Goergen, born in 1900, was a young woman when she began working at Oscar Fryklund’s photography studio in McGregor. She later took over the studio, located in the three-story left side of the Masonic Block buildings, operating black and white negative processing and finishing dark rooms in the back with John Sloan, who was also skilled in photography work. Following a fire in 1943, Goergen moved her studio down the street, where Interstate Federal is currently located.

According to Goergen’s daughter, June Kuefler, in an account of her mother’s career, in between custom work, Goergen developed post cards, which were mass printed for distribution in the area. Goergen also promoted the area by sharing many scenic photos with the Des Moines Register and other news outlets.

“She did so many photos of the river and scenery,” said Duane Boelman, a board member of the McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts and organizer of the special exhibit. “They were all colored by hand. It’s amazing.”

In addition, Kuefler noted, Goergen took numerous baby pictures, graduation and wedding photos and other portraits.

She worked as a photographer in McGregor until her death in 1970.

Boelman said the idea to feature Goergen’s work was first tossed about several years ago, when he was talking with Louise White, from Paper Moon.

The Left Bank Shop and Gallery, at the McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts, typically features three special exhibits each year. With the third set to wrap up momentarily, Boelman said it felt like a good time to do something special.

A call was put out to those who own some of Goergen’s photos, inquiring if they’d be willing to loan their pieces for the exhibit, which is entitled “Coloring McGregor.” Boelman said, so far, over a handful of people have contributed nearly 30 photographs.

“They’re mostly scenery and some floral,” shared Boelman, who personally owns five of Goergen’s photos. “There are a couple of really interesting photos. She experimented with table top photography, where there was a backdrop and she arranged objects in front.”

Boelman said he would love to include some portraits in the exhibit, if someone would be willing to share, in order to lend a personal touch.

Through the “Coloring McGregor” special exhibit, Boelman said people can connect with a unique aspect of the community’s history.

“I’m really into the history of McGregor,” he said. “This is one way to promote that and introduce [Goergen] to some younger people who’ve never heard of her.”

With the tourism season over for the year, “This event is tailored toward McGregor,” he added. “It’s a great way to get the community involved.”

Boelman also hopes the exhibit will draw in people who have perhaps never visited the art center.

“We’re not just a gallery that sells things. We promote the arts,” he explained, noting that the art center also aspires to pull the community together. “We want to become more of a place where everyone feels comfortable. Anything you can do to pull the community together makes everyone feel good and creates a stronger community.”

The “Coloring McGregor” special exhibit will open Friday, Nov. 11, with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served at this free event.

The Left Bank will be open weekends until Sunday, Dec. 18, allowing people to shop for Christmas gifts from among the artwork of around 70 regional artists. Goergen’s work, which is not available for purchase, can also be viewed in the special events gallery during that time.

For more information, call (563) 329-2010 or email mmcenterforthearts@gmail.com.