Saturday Art Adventure
April 11, 18, 25 | 1-2:30

Students will explore color schemes, visual design, and creative problem-solving through our food truck design project. Each week, you will tour “Home in Focus,” to identify and discuss art that relates to the weekly theme. Ms. Jewels is ready to equip your whole family for a winter full of artistic fun!

April 4 - Menu
April 11 - Merch
April 18 - Food Truck Design
April 25 - 3D Truck Creation

Saturday Art Adventure at the Dahl Arts Center is free to attend, thanks to our donors and "Friends of the Dahl," whose annual membership donations support arts and cultural programs year-round.

Drawing Group
Sundays | 1-3pm

Sessions are organized and facilitated by the volunteer instructor and take place in the Open Art Studio on Sundays from 1-3pm. The format is flexible: participants who prefer to work more independently are welcome to do so, while those seeking feedback or general guidance may receive support throughout the session. These sessions are not intended to function as one-on-one lessons, but rather as a collaborative studio environment with light instruction and shared learning.

​The RCAC provides basic drawing materials, including charcoal, pencils, erasers, newsprint, and a limited amount of drawing paper. Participants are encouraged to bring preferred personal supplies, especially sketchbooks, drawing pads, or tablets suitable for drawing practice.

Happy Hour
April 17 | 3-5pm

​Happy Hours at the Dahl include a selection of beer, wine, and soda!

​Friends of the Dahl get their first drink free! Please check in at Guest Services to verify your membership and get your drink ticket. Becoming a Friend of the Dahl only takes 5 minutes, and you can take home a Free Permanent Collection Catalog!

​Cheers!

Take Me To Your Moon: Journeys into the World of Dementia
April 17 | 5-7pm

Through personal and universal viewpoints, Take Me to Your Moon: Journeys into the World of Dementia by Yoko "Tenyoh" Sugawara explores the emotional terrain of dementia, inviting viewers to witness the humanity that endures through meaning, connection, and spirituality.

Call for Art: Best of the West
Submission Due: April 17

The Best of the West exhibition offers an opportunity for high school students to submit their 2D and 3D artworks for display at the Dahl Arts Center. Awards are presented to recognize outstanding work, fostering a competitive and professional experience for young artists. ​

Exploring Locally: Herb & Jan Conn's Legacy
April 18 | 6pm
​Dahl Arts Center

Opening the Rapid City Festival on Saturday, April 18, the Rapid City Arts Council is thrilled to showcase a local film produced by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, “The Ups and Downs of Herb and Jan Conn.” Together, Herb and Jan Conn opened people’s eyes to new worlds of exploration through their hundreds of first ascents in the Needles and their discovery of a vast underworld of the Black Hills. Herb and Jan Conn inspired many climbers, cartographers, and artists to explore the hills and find their own inspiration.

After the SDPB film screening, you’ll hear from a panel of local explorers, Rene Ohms, Lindsay Stephens, Bridget Machacek, Chris Pelczarski, Daryl Stisser, Cheryl Mayer-Stisser, and Libby Oney. Mike Ray will moderate this panel. Mike Ray has spent more than 30 years working as both a journalist and science communicator. He is a graduate of South Dakota Mines who grew up in the Black Hills, where he has spent the better part of his life.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival in Rapid City
April 20-21 | 6:30pm
Elks Theatre

The BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings together breathtaking cinematography, inspiring narratives, and the world’s most daring athletes and explorers. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure on the Elks Theatre big screen.

EPA Spotlight
April 24 | 6-8pm

​For 23 years, Rock School has been a staple of the Rapid City community. As a South Dakota Hall of Fame award winner, our program was formed to bring students ages 8 to 18 together into bands. After months of learning songs and practicing as a group, they are ready to take the stage.

This upcoming performance is an 40 min sample of the kids performing and offers a glimpse into the program by highlighting one of the young groups. We invite you to join us for this spotlight session at the Dahl. These kids have been putting in lots of hard work and are excited for this opportunity!

Black Hills Jazz Fest
​April 25 at the Dahl

Presented by Improvise Arts, the Black Hills Jazz Festival encourages listeners to move through downtown Rapid City while discovering music in unexpected places April 22-25, 2026.

​1:15 PM – James Dittman’s Nepotism Collective
Bruce H. Lien Cultural Café & Gallery at the Dahl Arts Center

Minneluzahan Open Mic
April 27 | 1-2:30pm

Join us for an afternoon of expression, creativity, and community at the Minneluzahan Senior Center. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying something new, this open mic is your chance to take the stage. Sing a song, read a poem, tell a story, or share something all your own. All voices and styles are welcome.

Liana Robinson
April 30 | 5-7pm

Liana Robinson is a mixed-media artist who returned to the arts after many years away to process emotions and address the effects of traumatic life events. As a self-taught artist, her practice grew through exploration and trial and error. Robinson uses a three-step process in her work, beginning with a fluid backdrop of psychedelic colors. She then layers over the paint with collaged images to tell her story. She brings whimsy to her work by incorporating found objects and other adornments such as flowers, glitter, or beads. Often, more paint is added over the images to intensify the visual effects. Many of her pieces reflect her journey towards self-acceptance, empowerment, and finding joy and beauty in life. Robinson's work has been featured on the album cover of the local band, Neon Eyes. This is her first exhibition. 

Early Release Art Class
May 1 | 1:30-4:30pm

3-5th Grade Students will study and learn about facial proportions and anatomy by creating self-portraits. Students will start by practicing drawing each other’s faces, then create their self-portrait in marker. Once students are satisfied, they’ll use flowers, leaves, and stems to create hair and facial features.

Free to attend, thanks to our generous donors. Consider donating to support programs that provide meaningful creative opportunities for our youth.

EPA Open Mic
May 1 | 6-8pm

Step up, speak out, and share your voice! It's time to perform!

Join us for an evening of expression, creativity, and community. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying something new, Open Mic Night is your chance to take the stage. Sing a song, read a poem, tell a story, or share something all your own. All voices and styles are welcome.

​​​This Event is Free and Open to the Public!

BHIAM: Spring Market & Fashion Show
May 2 | 10am-4:30pm

Join us for a day filled with stunning handmade art, bold and beautiful fashion, and the powerful stories woven into every design. Experience the energy of live musical entertainment, and don’t miss the crowd-favorite Ribbon Skirt Contest—a dazzling showcase of tradition, style, and pride.

Bring your friends, bring your family, and come celebrate the beauty of Native artistry and expression. This is more than an event—it’s a gathering of culture, creativity, and connection.

Happy Hour
​May 8 | 3-5pm

Happy Hours at the Dahl include a selection of beer, wine, and soda!

​Friends of the Dahl get their first drink free! Please check in at Guest Services to verify your membership and get your drink ticket. Becoming a Friend of the Dahl only takes 5 minutes, and you can take home a Free Permanent Collection Catalog!

​Cheers!

BHSU Art Majors Senior Exhibition Reception
May 8 | 5-7pm

​Works in this exhibition feature BHSU seniors who are graduating either in May or December of 2026 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education for K-12 Art Teaching. The exhibition features a wide variety of mediums, techniques, and concentrations as each student is responsible for creating their own personal visual narratives through their work.

Tony Deblois
May 9 | 7pm

Join us in seeing a performance by Tony Deblois and a showing of the documentary "Fierce Love and Art." Tony DeBlois, a blind and autistic musician, has performed in over 20 countries despite not being able to read or write music. He is one of the artists featured in the film.

This Event is Free and Open to the Public!

Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer's
​May 15 | 1-3pm

Join us on May 15 for a special screening of Alzheimer's: What You Can Do, a documentary that challenges common assumptions about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Drawing on the latest research and expert insights, the film explores how lifestyle choices, early awareness, and proactive care can play a meaningful role in supporting brain health and potentially reducing your risk.
Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a presentation and discussion with Dr. Stephen Manlove, a Rapid City-based psychiatrist. Dr. Manlove will offer insight into the realities of Alzheimer's and dementia, including early signs, treatment approaches, and strategies for supporting individuals and families navigating cognitive decline.
This program is designed for caregivers, individuals concerned about memory health, and anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer's disease. Together, the film and discussion aim to provide practical knowledge, foster understanding, and create space for community conversation around a condition that impacts so many lives
This program is presented in conjunction with Take Me To Your Moon: Journeys into the World of Dementia, an exhibition by Yoko “Tenyoh” Sugawara on view in the Ruth Brennan Gallery. Sponsored by Jackalope. Inspired by the metaphor of dementia as a journey from earth to moon–from familiar to the unknown— Sugawara’s work reflects the emotional and psychological landscapes of memory loss. The moon’s textured surface echoes the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on the brain.

​RSVP HERE​

Happy Hour
May 15 | 3-5pm

Happy Hours at the Dahl include a selection of beer, wine, and soda!

​Friends of the Dahl get their first drink free! Please check in at Guest Services to verify your membership and get your drink ticket. Becoming a Friend of the Dahl only takes 5 minutes, and you can take home a Free Permanent Collection Catalog!

​Cheers!

Best of the West
May 15 | 5-7pm

​Best of the West showcases the work of high school students within the region. This year’s exhibition will be opened up to high schools outside of the Rapid City school district. This is a tribute to the tremendous talent and dedication to the area’s students and teachers. Each year, the exhibition highlights a multitude of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, collage, printmaking, pastels, and traditional arts.

Mila Belakova
May 30 | 7pm

SD Arts Council Touring Artist Mila Belakova brings the magic of classical piano to life! As a skilled pianist she captivates audiences with her interpretations of music by legendary composers, sharing unique insights from her heritage, storytelling about composers and history, encouraging audiences to imagine and ask questions. Her passion for music sparks curiosity and joy, especially among young listeners. Mila delivers spellbinding concerts filled with precision, passion, and unforgettable melodies that inspire everyone to appreciate the beauty of music. 

This Event is Free and Open to the Public!

Kirk Kadish Trio
​June 13 | 7pm

The Kirk Kadish Trio brings you an evening of some the most swinging and exuberant jazz this side of Chicago. Featuring the scion of Rapid City’s first musical family, Terry Rathbun and Joel Adams, the trio approaches the jazz classics and the best of the Great American Songbook with tremendous enthusiasm and genuine affection. We trust that a little bit of their joy and exuberance will rub off on you!

This Event is Free and Open to the Public!

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 Area 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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