Lindemann is newest Athena Award winner

By KEVIN SWEENEY

Journal Editor

NEW ULM -- Ruth Lindemann was shocked when she walked into Cornerstone Coffee Friday morning, expecting to meet someone for a cup and a visit.

She was met by roomful of women, all shouting "Surprise," "Congratulations!" and "Welcome to the Club!" as they greeted the newest Athena Award winner.

The award is presented by the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce and Jensen Motors to recognize women who demonstrate leadership, excellence creativity and initiative in their business or professions; assist other women in reaching their full leadership potential and provide service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

"What have I done to deserve this?" said Lindemann, taken by surprise.

To those who had gathered to honor her, the answer was all too evident.

"She is one of the most accomplished women I know," said Laurie Kunerth, one of those who nominated Lindemann. Kunerth has been taking art classes from Lindemann for four years, and said she is a mentor who encourages and brings out the best in her students. She has also been a competitive tennis player, an accomplished musician, and a licensed practical nurse and registered nurse who still puts in a few days a month at Oak Hills Living Center's special care unit.

All agreed that Lindemann's accomplishments are a well kept secret. She has won many awards for her painting, but doesn't talk about them much.

She prefers to talk about the many students she has had over the years, and how exciting it is to help them learn.

"I know what it's like to be a student," she said. "I've taken lots of courses and workshops and I know what it's like to not know how to do something, and to see people who are better than I am."

Lindemann, who was born in the Boston area, said she got started in art when she was 10.

"I was sick for about a year, and my mother bought be a water color set to keep me busy, and an aquarium. I painted my fish and other things around me."

Lindemann later studied with Anton Czerny in Rockport, Mass. She moved to Minnesota and it wasn't until she was in her 30s that she started getting more formal instruction at what was then Mankato State University.

She began teaching others when she started an arts program with Larry Kobs for the New Ulm Park and Rec Deparment. She taught art to children for 27 years through Park and Rec, and would take more gifted students into her home for private lessons. She has also taught art through New Ulm Community Education, and for special needs people in the community.

When she was 53 she got her LPN training. "I figured I'd better have something that pays better than art to fall back on," she said, and still works two to four days a month at Oak Hills.

She began learning to play the french horn in her 50s, and also plays the cello. But being good at music, she found, takes a lot of practice time.

"I decided I'd rather focus on my art. I always advise my students, find something you're good at, and focus on it," Lindemann said.

If Lindemann doesn't talk much about herself, she likes to talk about her students, like Bill Engel, who now teaches at the New York School of Art and Design and has done a painting for Whitney Houston. She takes pride in that, and in others like Kunerth, who has entered a few paintings and won awards in art shows in the area.

The Athena Award presentation will take place Thursday, Aug. 19, at the Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting on Thursday, Aug. 19 at the Holiday Inn. Tickets are $22 and are available at the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce.