Let's Read Together

THE BEAR
​By Andrew Krivak

The Bear by Andrew Krivak is a novel set in a world where humanity has vanished, leaving behind only one man and his daughter. They live a simple, harmonious life in the wilderness, relying on the land for survival and following the rhythms of nature. They live off the land, with the father teaching her essential survival skills and his understand nature.
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After her father passes away, the girl sets out on a journey to honor his wishes. Along the way, she meets a bear who guides and protects her, teaching her important lessons about strength, resilience, respect for nature, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

The book is both a survival story and a meditation on the beauty of the natural world. It encourages readers to reflect on humanity's impact on the planet and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Its poetic language and thoughtful themes make it a powerful, reflective read for our community
Available at the Rapid City Public Library & Main Street Square on December 7 from 1-3pm

Upcoming Events
Big Read Rapid City events will be held at diverse venues throughout the city, free and open to the public. Programs will include book discussions, workshops, an art exhibition, film screenings, performances, and educational events. The program will involve the area’s performing arts organizations, educational institutions, and naturalist, outdoor, and land management organizations, providing opportunities for the entire community to enjoy the unique Big Read Rapid City experience.
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CALL FOR ART
Wayfinder
Submissions Due: January 8

The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC), in partnership with Big Read Rapid City, invites artists to participate in Wayfinder, a captivating exhibition at the Dahl Arts Center exploring the complex tapestry of human experience. Inspired by Andrew Krivak's novel, The Bear, this exhibition encourages artists to delve into themes of navigation, guidance, and the quest for meaning. The works will reflect resilience, the power of nature as a guide, and the universal search for belonging. To aid in their creative process, participating artists can receive a complimentary copy of The Bear, available at the Dahl. Whether capturing moments of embarking on new paths, guiding others, or seeking homecoming, Wayfinder celebrates the shared artistic journey of wayfinding.

EPA Open Mic
Ballads with The Bear
at Books-A-Million
​January 10 | 6-8pm

Kick off 2025 with "Ballads with the Bear," the first Emerging Performing Artists (EPA) Open Mic of the year! Join us at Books-A-Million for an evening of music, creativity, and adventure as we celebrate the beauty of nature through song. We're inviting artists to embrace their wild side—let the natural world inspire your performance and song selection. Participating performers will receive a free copy of The Bear by Andrew Krivak, the Big Read Rapid City book selection.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or sharing your voice for the first time, come be part of this exciting event where storytelling and song converge in the spirit of exploration. EPA Open Mic is free and open to all performers, providing an opportunity for the community to enjoy and appreciate local talent!
Owls & Owl Pellets with Custer State Park
January 18 | 10:30-11:30am
​Rapid City Public Library

Artists' Reception
Wayfinder
​January 24 | 5-7pm

Wayfinder is a compelling exhibition at the Dahl Arts Center, presented by the Rapid City Arts Council & Big Read Rapid City. Inspired by Andrew Krivak’s novel, The Bear, the exhibit delves into themes of navigation, guidance, and the universal quest for meaning. It celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the profound connection between humanity and nature, and the shared journey of finding one’s path in an ever-changing world.
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​Through diverse artistic expressions, Wayfinder examines intuition, waypoints, crossroads, and horizons—concepts that shape our paths and choices. It offers a space for reflection and inspiration, celebrating the resilience and hope that guide us. The exhibition runs from January 24 to April 26, 2025, in the Lynda K. Clark and Stan Adelstein Gallery.
Writers Workshop
February 6 | 2-7pm
Rapid City Public Library

Bear Book Club
February 6 | 5-6:30pm
Rapid City Public Library

Night Skies with Custer State Park
February 8 | 10:30-11:30am
Rapid City Public Library
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Teddy Bear Story Time
February 15 | 10:30-11:30am
Rapid City Public Library

Teen Billboard Competition
Information Coming Soon

Nature Journal Workshop
March 1
​Rapid City Public Library

Bear Book Club
March 6 | 5-6:30pm
Rapid City Public Library

Bluebird Boxes with Custer State Park
March 15 | 10:30-11:30am
Rapid City Public Library

Help Plan the Fun

Explore More Stories

The Day the Earth Rose Up
Written and Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo
Recommended for Ages 6-8

The Bear and The Moon
Written by Matthew Burgess & Illustrated by Catia Chien 
Recommended for Ages 3-5

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids
by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Recommended for Grades 3-7 & Ages 10-12

Lore of the Wild: Folklore & Wisdom from Nature
Claire Cock-Starkey
Recommended for Grades 1-7 and ages 6-12
Star stories: Constellation Tales from Around the World
Illustrated by Andy Wilx; Written by Anita Ganeri
Recommended for Grades 2-7 & Ages 6-14

The Switch
by Roland Smith
Recommended for Grades 3-7 and ages 8-12

Northwind
​by Gary Paulsen
Recommended for Grades 3 - 5 and ages 10 - 14
The Rapid City Arts Council is one of 62 organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2024-2025 National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant.
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The NEA Big Read grant will fund a community reading program focusing on The Bear by Andrew Krivak and the theme “Where We Live,” in collaboration with the Rapid City Public Library.
We are incredibly excited to present 'Big Read Rapid City' alongside the public library, The Bear is a great book, and this collaboration welcomes all kinds of readers and partners to enjoy a free all-ages literary celebration. Festivities will kick off this winter with a book giveaway, with many other engaging events to be announced.

​Jacqui Dietrich
RCAC Executive Director 
This partnership is of particular interest to the Rapid City Public Library, and is in keeping with the library’s mission and strategic plan. It’s a joint effort to support and encourage literacy and engage in community conversations around a shared topic. We are looking forward to discussions around The Bear by Andrew Krivak, and making the books available from both the library and the bookmobile.

Terri Davis
​Rapid City Public Library Director 
The NEA Big Read brings the transformative experience of reading to an entire community. This year’s grantees, including the Rapid City Arts Council, are taking themes off the page and using creative programming to navigate difficult topics, explore new perspectives, and strengthen bonds between neighbors.

Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD,
Chair of the NEA
Since 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,800 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $25 million to organizations nationwide. In addition, NEA Big Read activities have reached every Congressional district in the country. Over the past 15+ years, grantees have leveraged more than $57 million in local funding to support their NEA Big Read programs. More than 6 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, over 100,000 volunteers have participated at the local level, and over 40,000 community organizations have partnered to make NEA Big Read activities possible. For more information about the NEA Big Read, including book and author information, podcasts, and videos, visit arts.gov/neabigread.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE RAPID CITY ARTS COUNCIL

The Rapid City Arts Council staff and Board of Directors thanks the City of Rapid City for continuously supporting our mission and the arts. The generosity of our many volunteers, donors, and members drives our mission to champion inclusive, innovative and inspiring arts opportunities to enrich the communities we serve.  Additional support comes from the South Dakota Community Foundation, Black Hills Community Foundation, and the South Dakota Arts Council with funds from the State of South Dakota through the Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Dahl Arts Center is a municipal facility of the City of Rapid City and is managed by the Rapid City Arts Council on behalf of the Rapid City community.
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