Between Tradition and Modernity - Women Artists in Focus

27 June to 19 October 2025

THE EXHIBITION

Inspired by the painter Marguerite Frey-Surbek (1886–1981), who had personal connections to Spiez Castle, this year’s art exhibition features female artists associated with the Bernese Oberland and the city of Bern. Among them are Martha Stettler (1870–1945), Anna Gustavine Spühler (1872–1967), Hanni Bay (1885–1978), Margrit Linck (1897–1983), Gertrud Guyer Wyrsch (1920–2013), and Marguerite Saegesser (1922–2011). Each of these women successfully navigated their way through a field traditionally dominated by men.

The themes explored in their art are as diverse as their life stories. The works range stylistically from tradition to modernity, reflecting the artistic trends of their time.

The exhibition presents around sixty works, including paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures. Complementing the indoor display, iron sculptures by Martina Lauinger (1962–2020) will be featured in an outdoor area.

Flyer

More about the Surbek collection at Spiez Castle

THANKS

Loans

ArchivArte
ART-Nachlassstiftung für Kunstschaffende
Daniel Dietrich und Anita Stauffer
René Eichenberger und Irene Weber
Gemeinde Spiez
Ana Holenstein-Wyrsch
Kunstmuseum Thun
Kunstsammlung der Stadt Bern
Nachlass Margrit und Walter Linck, Galerie annex14
Nachlass Martha Stettler
Sammlung Heinrich und Susanne Rohrer

Sponsors

Bank EEK AG, Förderverein Freunde Schloss Spiez, Kulturförderung Kanton Nidwalden, Ruth & Arthur Scherbarth Stiftung, Stiftung Vinetum, VIVA Thunersee, Zwillenberg-Stiftung. There are also other donors who wished to remain unnamed.

Volunteer work

Many thanks to the forty people who volunteer in the visitor service.

An exhibition by the Spiez Castle Foundation, 2025.

IMPRESSIONS