 For Immediate Release: March 23, 2026
Rapid City Arts Council Announces 2026 Arts Investment Fund Awards RAPID CITY, SD – In a continued effort to expand access to the arts and invest in cultural vitality, the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) today announced the 18 local organizations selected to receive awards from the $100,000 fund through the 2026 City Arts Contingency Fund. These direct investments in the local arts ecosystem were made possible through the City of Rapid City’s annual budget process, in which the City Council authorized RCAC to administer the fund. The initiative aims to enrich the lives of residents and stimulate economic growth by supporting creative projects that elevate the community through public engagement, artistic innovation, and cultural equity. “The availability and disbursement of these funds is a testament to the unique arts and culture ecosystem within Rapid City and the support provided by the City of Rapid City and its elected leaders,” said Travis Dewes, Rapid City Arts Council Executive Director. “This is about investing into the future of our community and we are proud to realize such a vital role in the process.” RCAC reviewed applications based on several criteria, including artistic merit, feasibility, innovation, and the potential for public benefit. Funded projects span a broad spectrum of disciplines—from music and theater to jazz and inclusive arts events—demonstrating the diversity and creative strength of Rapid City’s nonprofit arts and culture sector. 2026 City Arts Contingency Fund Awardees:
### For more information, contact: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral, and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.
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 For Immediate Release: March 18, 2026
Registration is Open for 24 Different Art Camps at the Dahl Arts Center RAPID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is excited to announce its Summer Art Camps for 2026! Get ready to travel through time and space to explore hands-on art projects aimed at educating and entertaining youth grades K through 5. Camps will run for 4 days at a time from the first week of June through the first week in August, offering a plethora of activities centered around engaging Rapid City’s elementary students when schools dismiss for the summer. Hosted at the Dahl Arts Center, a cornerstone for community arts education located in downtown Rapid City, these 24 camps provide a creative outlet in a positive environment where children can create, play, and grow. RCAC’s programs are based on national standards for high-quality arts education. Each camp includes “choice-based” art lessons designed to enhance creativity and critical thinking. Campers will bring home art and lifelong memories from projects like Prehistoric Cave Drawings, Pop Art Time Capsuls, Character Marionettes, Bouncing Ball Flipbook, and Animal Sound Sculptures. Most summer camps take place Monday-Thursday from 9am to 3pm, with lessons led by certified art teachers. The Clay Camps will run on Fridays and Saturdays throughout June and July, offering focused exploration of handbuilding and ceramic techniques. Every camp includes a tour of the galleries at the Dahl in addition to artmaking in the classroom, providing campers with the opportunity to engage with art in a variety of ways. Students should bring a sack lunch, a water bottle, and be dressed ready to get creative and a little messy. James Gaylord, Education Director for the RCAC said, "We’re extremely excited about this summer’s slate of camps. We’ve developed a diverse range of themes and projects, all designed to teach fundamental art skills while also expanding ideas about what an art camp can be and how it can be experienced by our campers. We’re equally excited about our team of instructors. Our staff includes four state-certified art teachers who, together, bring more than 30 years of teaching experience in our community schools. While they are all outstanding educators, they are also deeply talented studio artists within their own practices. This means campers will not only receive an excellent educational experience, but will also build foundational art skills, expand their creative capacity, and grow as artists while making art alongside four highly skilled practicing artists." Older students, currently in grades 6-12, can take advantage of our Junior Counselors program, where they work closely with staff, camp instructors, and enthusiastic campers to create a fun and inspiring art camp experience. Gain invaluable hands-on experience in a professional art education setting while developing essential leadership skills. If a student is interested in this program, they should visit rapidcityartscouncil.org/summercamps to learn more and apply. Generous support from donors such as the Gwendolyn L. Stearn Foundation, the John T. Vucurevich Foundation, individual donors, and the City of Rapid City enables RCAC to provide affordable, high-quality educational experiences in the arts for more than 2,000 Rapid City youth each year. Through these donations, more than $10,000 in scholarship funds are available to families with financial need interested in placing children in RCAC’s educational programs. Those interested in seeking financial assistance for summer art camp enrollment may submit a brief form before the start date of the camp. The form is available at: visit rapidcityartscouncil.org/scholarships. For questions or to get assistance, please contact us at: [email protected]. ### For More Information: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.  For Immediate Release: March 17, 2026
Russell Jensen Wins Best of Show in the Home in Focus Photography Competition at the Dahl Rapid City, SD -- The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is thrilled to announce that Russell Jensen received Best of Show for his piece Seeking Shelter in the Home in Focus Community Photography Exhibition. This year’s photography show and competition centered around South Dakota as home. Photographers of all skill levels were encouraged to submit for this exhibition that celebrates the beauty, stories, and spirit of this region and their sense of home, not just as a place or physical location, but as a feeling. The jurors for this year’s community photography competition were Allen Morris, Assistant Photography Professor at Black Hills State University, Tass Thacker, co-founder of Images from the World, and Eunice Straight Head, regional photographer. Together, these jurors selected 56 images out of over 200 entries to be on display at the Dahl until May 9, 2026! The show is divided into 3 categories: Adult Professional, Adult Amateur and Youth. Each of these categories has a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place award winner. The jurors also selected a Best of Show Award. Jeannie Larson, Gallery Director and Curator said, “This exhibition continues a 21-year tradition of bringing photographers from across the Black Hills community together. It’s a show I look forward to each year because it reminds us of the talented and thoughtful photographers we have in our region.” This year’s winners are: Best of Show: Russell Jensen, Seeking Selter Professional Category:
The RCAC encourages visitors to vote for their favorite for the Rapid City People’s Choice Award. Voting will end on May 9th. The exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit thedahl.org/photoshow. ### For More Information: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org. For Immediate Release: March 4, 2026
Rapid City Arts Council Announces 22nd Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour in Rapid City RAPID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council is proud to present the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, returning to the Elks Theatre for two exhilarating nights of adventure films on Monday, April 20, and Tuesday, April 21. But before the adrenaline rush begins, the festival opens with an evening of local storytelling, a free screening of the SDPB Documentary, “The Ups and Downs of Herb and Jan Conn” on Saturday, April 18 at the Dahl Arts Center. Find all information and tickets at rapidcityartscouncil.org/banff Exploring Locally: Herb and Jan Conn’s Legacy – Saturday, April 18 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. This free event on April 18 is designed to bring our community together, to showcase local art while encouraging our neighbors to get out in our community and explore. First stop, the Dahl Arts Center. Learn more and reserve your seat at rapidcityartscouncil.org/banff. Night One – Monday, April 20 The Moraine program kicks off the festival with a dynamic lineup of six films. These stories highlight athletes and explorers pushing the limits of human potential:
Night Two – Tuesday, April 21 The excitement continues on Tuesday with the Icefall program, featuring six films that blend adventure, culture, and storytelling:
"The films highlight the thrills and rewards of an active outdoor lifestyle," says Junek. They remind us that people are capable of far more than we often imagine." "Banff films always inspire and challenge us to learn about the world," adds Thacker, "and about the people who make our planet such an incredible place to live." 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 big screen. Tickets and trailers are available at: rapidcityartscouncil.org/banff The BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour in Rapid City is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: L.B. Lane Family Foundation, Constance Lane & David Cameron, Dr. Fromm, Paha Sapa Grotto, Bankwest, Black Hills Core Collective, and South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Their support brings world-class films, thrilling outdoor stories, and a community-driven experience to the Black Hills. Thank you for making this festival an unforgettable event! Sponsorship opportunities are available until April 1. For more information about these events and to purchase tickets, please visit rapidcityartscouncil.org/banff. Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of creativity, nature, and community spirit. ## For More Information: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.  For Immediate Release: February 18, 2026
Departmental Staffing Shifts at Rapid City Arts Council Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council is excited to announce changes within its departmental lead structure. Noah Geiger, current Gallery Director and Curator, will be stepping into the role of Facility Manager and Preparator, while Jeannie Larson, current Curator, will be promoted to the Gallery Director and Curator role. Both staff members will continue to work closely on exhibitions and other projects to support the Arts Council’s mission. Larson began working at the Arts Council in 2015 as an intern, which she described as “spending many hours in the basement archiving permanent collection and in the galleries assisting my mentor, Denise Du Broy.” Larson was then hired full-time as Assistant Curator in 2019 and continued within that role until being promoted to Curator in 2025. She will now lead the Exhibits department, to which she stated, “I am excited to continue my journey, championing the RCAC’s mission by making art more accessible, more integral, and more inspiring – while building bridges through the universal language of creativity. Working with this community for the past decade has shaped my view on how impactful art truly is.” Geiger, who joined the Arts Council as Gallery Director and Curator in 2023, will now spread his efforts throughout the facility as Facility Manager while also focusing on exhibition work through the lens of a Preparator. “My work with Black Hills arts community over the last two years has been an absolute honor and privilege, and I am so very thankful to all of our artists and collaborators throughout my time at the Arts Council. Jeannie Larson will bring such strong leadership and vision to the exhibitions program as its new Gallery Director and Curator, and I look forward to supporting her and the department as Preparator. My hope with this transition is to lean back into being an artist after being so directly inspired by this community.” Speaking about the transition, Travis Dewes, Rapid City Arts Council Executive Director, said, “I look forward to seeing the impact that Jeannie and Noah can have within their new positions - this change will make a stronger Arts Council and help us fulfill our mission-driven work that is so important to the community.” The Dahl Arts Center, located in Downtown Rapid City, is a community-owned art space, offering a variety of attractions. It features five curated art galleries, a hands-on Art Studio designed for families, and the Dahl Artists' Market, where art crafted by local and regional artists is available for purchase. Managed by the Rapid City Arts Council, The Dahl is a community space that hosts all kinds of arts and culture events. It also provides art education programs for both youth and adults, along with open pottery and art studios, offering people a welcoming space to unleash their creativity. The Dahl is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, entry to the galleries is always free, thanks to our members, the Friends of the Dahl, with donations warmly welcomed. Plan your visit and see the upcoming classes and exhibitions by visiting our website thedahl.org. ### For More Information: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.719.7218 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.  For Immediate Release: February 4, 2026
Beautifying Rapid City One Mural At A Time! Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is inviting South Dakota artists to submit proposals for two large-scale outdoor murals as part of Rapid City’s Downtown Beautification Project. This public art initiative seeks to transform Rapid City through murals that reflect the region’s natural beauty and community spirit. The theme for these murals will be nature-themed, specifically nature that is in the surrounding Black Hills. The artist will be responsible for all wall preparation, paint, and materials, with the project completed by early July, weather permitting. Submissions must be sent by March 20, 2026 at 11:59pm. To learn more about this project visit our website at, rapidcityartscouncil.org/downtownmuralproject. Locations A: One of the murals will be installed in Art Alley on the south-facing wall located at the entry of Art Alley off 6th Street in Downtown Rapid City. Location B: Announced Soon Artist Eligibility:
Proposal Requirements:
Email submissions to: [email protected] Subject Line: Community Murals - [Your Last Name] with all accompanying documents. Proposals received later than 11:59pm on March 20 will not be considered. The RCAC will select the two proposals that:
Important Dates:
To learn more about this project visit: rapidcityartscouncil.org/downtownmuralproject. ### For More Information: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.719.7218 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.  For Immediate Release: Feb 3, 2026
The Alchemist Lumi’s First Solo Exhibition at the Dahl RAPID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is excited to announce that Lumi will have her first solo exhibition at the Dahl Arts Center. The exhibition titled, The Alchemist, will be on display in the Ruth Brennan Gallery from February 20 through April 11, 2026. Lumi will give an artist’s talk at 6pm. This exhibition will bring together two series created by Lumi over the past few years: La Période Bleue (The Blue Period) and La Période Lumière (The Light Period). This immersive, two-part show follows the artist’s personal and spiritual journey, starting with a deep exploration of the color blue and expanding into a full spectrum of light. La Periode Bleue explores ideas of time, memory, and the unseen, resulting in dreamlike scenes where figures and their higher selves move through imagined worlds. The exhibition will then shift to La Periode Lumiere, a new collection of works inspired by sacred geometry, alchemy, and the artist’s growing spiritual awareness. In this series, the work becomes more abstract as the blue transitions to yellows, reds, black, and white, reflecting themes of clarity, chang,e and inner growth. Lumi was born in Bozeman, Montana, in 1997. Soon after she was born, her parents moved to western South Dakota. They raised her in the Black Hills, where she developed a love of nature that has greatly impacted her work throughout her spiritual journey. Currently, she works predominantly as a painter, but she also spends time on intuitive drawing and writing to continue generating new compositions and ideas. She believes the importance of creating is within the intention and the process, more so than the result, finding herself in the midst of an endless conversation with the universe. Lumi earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Black Hills State University in May of 2021. She has been a part of several group shows in the Black Hills area, including the Art House in Hot Springs, the Matthew's Opera House and Art Center in Spearfish. For more information on exhibits at the Dahl, please visit: www.thedahl.org/current ### For More Information: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.719.7218 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.  For Immediate Release: January 20, 2026
High School Art Competition Expands RAPID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) invites high school students from Western South Dakota to participate in the annual Best of the West art exhibition and competition. This is a juried exhibition that celebrates the creativity, talent, and diverse voices of the region’s young artists and provides the opportunity for students to showcase their artwork in a professional gallery setting. Formerly focused on Rapid City Area Schools, the RCAC is excited to expand this exhibition to a wider region. Students in 9-12th grade from Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Custer, Fall River, and Oglala counties are encouraged to share their creative vision for a chance to win cash prizes that will be awarded during an awards ceremony on May 15 at 6pm. The submission process is simple. Students will fill out an online application and submit photographs to [email protected] with the subject line: “BOTW- 26 [Your Last Name]” by April 17. Jurors will select this year’s participants through a blind jurying process based on creativity, originality, and quality of the work submitted. Selected pieces of art can be dropped off at the Dahl Arts Center or select locations in Spearfish, Hot Springs, Pine Ridge, and Custer. The Best of the West Exhibition provides high school students with the opportunity to showcase their talents while fostering a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and respect. By participating, students contribute to a celebration of art that reflects creativity, inclusivity, and integrity. Thank you for joining us in this journey to highlight the artistic excellence in our community! For more information and how to submit, please visit: thedahl.org/botw. ### For More Information: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.719.7218 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.  For Immediate Release: December 3, 2025
Rapid City Arts Council Opens 2026 City Arts Fund Grant Application Supporting Arts Nonprofits in Rapid City Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) champions the power of art to bring people together and serves to promote the arts in the Rapid City area. In partnership with the City of Rapid City, the arts council aims to do that by helping to fund access to the arts for the entire community. As part of a continued investment, RCAC announces the launch of the 2026 City Arts Investment Fund (AIF) grant program, committing $100,000 of city funds to nonprofit organizations proposing unique artistic and cultural experiences for the Rapid City community. The City Arts Investment Fund Grant Program reflects the shared priority of building a vibrant community. Consisting of an allocated $100,000 in 2026, Major Jason Salamun has tasked the Rapid City Arts Council to manage the Arts Investment Fund to support the city’s “Community Enrichment” goals. All nonprofit and cultural organizations serving Rapid City residents are encouraged to apply. The Arts Investment Fund serves Rapid City’s arts and culture organizations alongside separate operational funding set aside within the City budget to support the five municipal arts & culture organizations. In 2025, RCAC distributed $100,000 on behalf of the city to its arts and cultural establishments, including Backroom Productions Inc., Black Hills Center for Equality, Black Hills Community Theatre, Black Hills Dance Theatre, Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, Catalyst Theater Company, Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills, Dakota Choral Union, Flutter Productions/Black Hills Works, Rushmore Music Festival, and the Rapid City Arts Council. The 2026 grant application is now open. Submission criteria include:
Application Guidelines AIF grant program guidelines and the application form are available on the RCAC website. To apply, review the guidelines and complete the questionnaire in the 2026 Grant Application Form. Applications, along with the necessary supporting documents, must be submitted to the Rapid City Arts Council by Thursday, January 22, 2026, by 11:59 PM MT. Applicants will be notified by March 2. Questions about the grant process and/or requirements are welcome by email only. Questions must be received by email at [email protected] before 5:00PM MT, January 15, 2026. Full grant program details available here: RCAC Website. ### Contact: Maggie Lepa-Wince Marketing Director Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 x5 [email protected] The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral, and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.  For Immediate Release: September 25, 2025
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE DAHL HAUS ART AUCTION + HAUS PARTY Featuring Works By Over 40 Artists to Support Local Arts and Celebrate Creativity Rapid City, SD - The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) Board of Directors is proud to announce The Dahl’s Benefit Art Auction, opening on November 7, 2025. The auction will feature a curated selection of works from over 40 Black Hills artists and collectors, opening with a celebration on November 7 from 6-9pm. The benefit auction will help RCAC to continue bringing the Rapid City community together through art by funding the many visual and performing arts programs and art education programs/spaces at the Dahl. “The annual art auction is a cornerstone event for the Rapid City arts community. It provides support for all of the mission-driven programs that RCAC currently provides while opening doors for program expansions,” said RCAC Executive Director Travis Dewes. “Driven by the power of local art, we hope our community is inspired during this time to support the Rapid City Arts Council and take home some wonderful art!” "As we commemorate another fantastic year of the Dahl Arts Center, the Board of Directors and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our donors and Friends of the Dahl," said RCAC Board President Anjelica Sasse. “By supporting the Dahl, you’re celebrating the power of creativity to transform lives and our community." The auction, hosted virtually, will feature over 50 artworks by some of the region’s most prominent established and emerging artists. Bidding is online-only, running from Friday, November 7 at 6pm through Saturday, November 15 at 5pm. This auction and exhibit will be held in the Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery, offering a range of artworks in various sizes and mediums, with the format in which artists can decide how much of the sale to donate. The roster of artists participating in the auction and exhibition includes Emma Rivers, Tim Peterson, Tenyoh, Tia Erin, Mark Zimmerman, Mary Wipf, and many others! Dahl Haus Celebrations The Dahl Haus theme is inspired by the Bauhaus Art Movement of Germany in the early 20th Century. The movement was focused around absurdist and avant-garde expressions of color, performance, and collaboration – all of which still influence the way arts are experienced today. Bauhaus’ key tenets inspired us to create a community-forward event to celebrate the arts in a fun way. Dess Code/Costumes aren’t required, but if looking for inspiration, visit our website: thedahl.org/dahlhaus for some more info on the theme. The Benefit Art Auction is a virtual event featuring over 40 original works by renowned regional artists. Bidding will be hosted online only at secure.qgiv.com/event/dahlhaus, from Friday, November 7 at 6pm to Saturday, November 15 at 5pm. On Friday, November 7, the Rapid City Arts Council Board of Directors will host the Dahl Haus Art Auction + Haus Party at the Dahl Arts Center. This celebration will raise vital funds to ensure the Dahl remains a vibrant institution for future generations. The evening’s events will be emcee’d by Ryan Puffer, Black Hills Community Theatre, and include specialty cocktails by Windsor Block Bar, gallery viewing, heavy hors d'oeuvres by Nell’s Gourmet, and the silent art auction. The electric Haus Party DJ Set by Soulscend will open in the Cyclorama from 8:30-10:30. For those who only want to dance at the Haus Party, separate tickets are available at a reduced rate. Tickets are available at thedahl.org/dahlhaus. Additionally, Rapid City Arts Council will host a family-friendly community appreciation night to commemorate the Dahl Arts Center Day. The free event will include art activities, performances, games provided by Who’s Toy House, and a delicious dessert. The event will take place on Friday, October 24, 2026, from 5-8pm at the Dahl Arts Center. The Dahl Haus festivities are made possible in part by Security First Bank, Crazy Horse Memorial, First Peoples Fund, Homeslice Media Group, Jolly Lane Greenhouse, Monument Health, Who’s Toy House, Windsor Block Bar, and the "Friends of the Dahl," whose annual membership donations support arts and cultural programs year-round. For more information about the Dahl Arts Center’s Dahl Haus celebrations, visit thedahl.org/dahlhaus. ABOUT The Dahl Arts Center (thedahl.org) is a community arts center located in Rapid City, SD. The Dahl includes art galleries, an education center with art studios, a performing arts venue, and the Dahl Artists' Market. The center is open Monday through Saturday; admission is always free. Friends of the Dahl (thedahl.org/membership) are annual members who actively support visual arts, performing arts, and arts education at the Dahl. Friends of the Dahl provide vital support for the diverse year-round programs, events and arts education that reach thousands of children and adults. Rapid City Arts Council (rapidcityartscouncil.org): Founded in 1968, the purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC partnered with the City of Rapid City in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center on behalf of the community. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and arts education. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. ### CONTACT INFORMATION: Maggie Lepa-Wince Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 [email protected] |
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.