Portals and Shrines: Seeing the World From Here by Rapid City artist Darrel Nelson opens June 6

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2025
Portals and Shrines: Seeing the World From Here by Rapid City artist Darrel Nelson opens June 6

RAPID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is proud to announce a new solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Darrel Nelson. The exhibition, Portals and Shrines: Seeing the World From Here, will open in the Ruth Brennan Gallery of the Dahl Arts Center on June 6 and run through September 6. In addition to this exhibition, the RCAC will host an opening reception on June 6 from 5-7pm with an artist talk at 5:45pm. 

Darrel Nelson is a lifelong artist, educator and curator whose creative path has spanned continents and creative disciplines. With a background that includes graduate study in Korea, university teaching in South Dakota, and museum work in Deadwood, Nelson has explored media ranging from oil painting to graphic design to wood sculpture. He describes himself as a man “living in the ‘Wow’ chapter of his life,” embracing astonishment and gratitude as guiding principles for both life and art. 

His latest work fuses carefully crafted wood forms, natural elements, and symbolic references to create surreal assemblages that appear both ancient and futuristic. Titles such as Featherweight, Geoscope, and Cerebreliquary (images attached) exemplify his whimsical yet reverent approach to the materials. 

“We are inundated daily with objects made from human hands, far more than we can notice, let alone discern,” writes Nelson. “This exhibition is a collection of objects that invite not only attention but unguarded internal conversation. I hope this happens for all who see them.” 

This exhibition continues Nelson’s evolving creative journey, following two previous solo shows at the Dahl. In 2010, What Am I Doing Here? featured an ever-changing installation that invited the public to return Nelson’s anonymously placed wooden objects—discovered throughout the region—and share the stories of their discoveries. In 2018, Life Lines showcased a different facet of his practice through a vibrant series of abstract colored pencil drawings, offering insight into the artist’s contemplative and intuitive approach to mark-making.

In addition to Darrel Nelson’s solo exhibition, the Rapid City Arts Council will also unveil a fresh installation of its Permanent Collection on June 6. Featuring a selection of works from RCAC’s growing collection of regional and contemporary art, this exhibition offers visitors a chance to explore the creative legacy and evolving artistic voices of our community. On view through August 23, 2025, the exhibition reflects the depth and diversity of the artists who have contributed to the cultural fabric of the Black Hills and beyond.

Join us on Thursday, June 6, from 5 to 7pm at the Dahl Arts Center to celebrate the opening of Portals and Shrines: Seeing the World From Here and the refreshed Permanent Collection exhibition. Enjoy a lively evening featuring a beer and wine bar (cash and card accepted), light refreshments, and the opportunity to meet the artist and purchase original artwork.

This free event is open to all—come experience an inspiring night of art and community.
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For More Information:
Noah Geiger
Rapid City Arts Council
605.394.4101 x2
[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.