Arts Council Unveils Honoree, New Projects, and Exclusive Art at Dahl 50th Anniversary Benefit Gala

For Immediate Release: September 25, 2024

Arts Council Unveils Honoree, New Projects, and Exclusive Art at Dahl 50th Anniversary Benefit Gala
Community Invited to Join with Release of New Lower-Priced Tickets

RAPID CITY, SD— The Rapid City Arts Council will host the Dahl Arts Center’s 50th Anniversary Benefit Gala on Saturday, October 5, 2024. In celebration of this milestone, the Arts Council is excited to unveil a new project, a special donation, and honor key contributors to the arts. To encourage broader community participation, ticket prices have been lowered for the event.

At the gala, the Arts Council will reveal the "Next 50" initiative, including plans for an outdoor art park in memory of renowned artist Grete Bodøgaard. These plans follow recent city approval of the project. Additionally, gala attendees will be among the first to see early designs for an ambitious effort to reimagine the visitor experience, aimed at enhancing the Dahl's role as a cultural cornerstone of the region.
A major highlight of the evening will be the live auction, featuring an extraordinary donation from South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Claude Lamphere. His piece, “Circle and Line”, stands seven feet tall and was created exclusively for this event. The winning bidder will also enjoy an installation of the work and a private reception at Lamphere’s studio. 

Jeff Kingsbury of the Black Hills Playhouse will host the live auction, which includes experiences such as getaways to Napa Valley, Iceland, and Italy; a collaborative project with artist Matthew Whitehead; Black Hills adventures; and exclusive opportunities with Dakota Angler, Black Hills Balloons, the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Black Hills Powwow, and more.
The Silent Art Auction showcases 79 works by local Black Hills artists, open for online bidding and displayed at the Dahl until October 5th, with bidding closing at 11 PM MDT.

The Silent Art Auction is open to the public now, and registration is free via the Gala website (thedahl.org/50years).
In addition to the auctions, the gala will feature a Fund-a-Need appeal, raising essential funds for the Dahl’s arts education, exhibitions, and performances. Donations will be matched up to $10,000 by an anonymous Friend of the Dahl!

The event will honor Ruth J. Brennan, who will receive the inaugural “Serving the Arts Cornerstone Award.” Brennan, a dedicated advocate and former director of the Dahl for 23 years, has left a lasting legacy in the arts community. The award will be presented annually to individuals who exemplify dedication and impact in advancing the arts.

Tickets for the Gala are now more accessible, with couples’ tickets at $250, individual tickets at $145, and private tables for eight at $900. Each ticket includes access to a complimentary cocktail reception and a seated dinner by Nell’s Gourmet. After dinner, the after-party will feature a DJ set by On The Heron, and the Silent Art Auction and exhibition will remain open until 11 PM MDT. Auction winners will be announced as the event closes.

“As we celebrate the Dahl’s 50th anniversary, we are eager to look ahead to an exciting future, imagining new ways the Dahl can continue to advance the arts and inspire and engage our community,” said RCAC Executive Director Jacqui Dietrich. “This is a pivotal moment, and we’re grateful for the artists, members, patrons, and supporters who have made the celebrations possible.”
“For over 50 years, the Dahl has been at the heart of Rapid City's arts community, shaping and uplifting the region's artistic expression,” Dietrich continued. “Thanks to the commitment of our artists, members, donors, and sponsors, we are ready to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and envision the next 50 years.”

The 50th Anniversary Gala is made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including Monument Health, Black Hills Energy, and Black Hills Federal Credit Union. Table sponsors include Jackalope, Coeur-Wharf, and Property Meld. In kind support is provided by KOTA, Homeslice Media, and Jackalope. Local businesses supporting the gala include Nell’s Gourmet, BB’s Natural Wine Bar, Windsor Block Bar, The SOUR, Dark Canyon Coffee, and Jolly Lane Greenhouse. The “Next 50” project is made possible by TerraSite Design and JLG Architects.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Dahl Arts Center’s programming and help maintain free admission for the community.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thedahl.org/50years.

Event Details:
Dahl 50th Benefit Art Auction & Gala
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 11:00 PM
Location: Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th Street, Rapid City, SD

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Maggie Jean Wince
Rapid City Arts Council
605.394.4101 x5
[email protected]

About
The Dahl Arts Center (thedahl.org) is hub for arts and culture in Rapid City and the Black Hills region, offering more than 120 exhibits, performances, and cultural programs annually. Welcoming over 20,000 visitors each year, the center is celebrated for its five art galleries, arts education facilities, studios, performing arts venue, and artists’ market, featuring both emerging and professional artists from the region. Managed by the Rapid City Arts Council, the Dahl marks its 50th season in 2024. The Dahl is located at 713 7th Street in downtown Rapid City. The center is open Monday through Saturday, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is always free.
  
The Rapid City Arts Council (rapidcityartscouncil.org) has been developing, funding, and promoting the arts in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the surrounding region since 1968. The Arts Council’s mission is to champion the power of art to unite diverse communities, making art more accessible, integral, and inspiring for everyone. In partnership with the City of Rapid City, the Arts Council manages the Arts Investment Fund and the Dahl Arts Center, the region’s premier destination for visual arts, arts education, and cultural events. The Arts Council receives major support from generous donors and members, the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, the John T. Vucurevich Foundation, and the South Dakota Arts Council, through the Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts.