For Immediate Release: March 4, 2024
Wild Things: Exploring Nature's Untamed Beauty by Kaye Buchman Opening at the Dahl WHAT: Wild Things by Kaye Buchman EXHIBIT DATES: 03.22.24 – 06.15.24 ARTIST’S RECEPTION: March 22, 5-7pm ARTIST’S TALK: 6pm WHERE: Ruth Brennan Gallery, Dahl Arts Center The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) presents “Wild Things,” a timely exhibition of mixed-media paintings, drawings, and prints that explore the concept of wildness in the natural world by Chicago-based artist and educator, Kaye Buchman. This show will be on display from March 22 through June 15, 2024, in the Ruth Brennan Gallery of the Dahl Arts Center. The opening reception will be on March 22 from 5-7pm. These works were inspired by the Loyola Dunes Restoration project along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Big Marsh eco-development site on Chicago’s southeast side, and the North Branch of the Chicago River in Harms Woods Forest Preserve. About her work, Buchman said: My work is informed and inspired by the wild forms, forces and phenomena of the natural world. I live on the far north side of Chicago just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. It is here that I observe and record these concepts in drawings, prints, and photographs. The place I visit the most is the Loyola Dunes Restoration Project. Over the past decade, I have watched this 6-acre lakefront ecological protection site transform from a flat public beach into a thriving native dune habitat. The project was designed to stop erosion and return the area to something closer to its former, pre-industrial, natural state. Kaye received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Illinois State University with an emphasis in printmaking, and her Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied drawing and painting. Her current studio work includes environmentally-focused mixed-media painting on handmade and assembled papers, found-object printmaking, thematic bookmaking, and digital animation. This is her second exhibition at the Dahl. This exhibition is sponsored by 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. ## For More Information: Noah Geiger Rapid City Arts Council Dahl Arts Center 605.394.4101 x 2 Noah.Geiger@thedahl.org 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: February 27, 2024
Middle School Art Show Opens at the Dahl Arts Center WHAT: Middle School Art Show EXHIBIT DATES: March 7 – April 4 ARTIST RECEPTION: March 7, 5-7pm WHERE: Bruce H Lien Cultural Café & Gallery, Dahl Arts Center The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is pleased to announce that we will host an Emerging Visual Artists exhibition by the Rapid City Area Middle Schools. This exhibition will be displayed in the Bruce H Lien Cultural Café & Gallery at the Dahl Arts Center from March 7, 2024, through April 4, 2024. As part of the show, an opening reception for the artists will be held on Thursday, March 7 from 5-7pm. This event is free and open to the public. The Middle School Art Show is a celebration of artistic expression and a testament to the students' and art educators' hard work, creativity, and dedication at West, South, Southwest, North, and St. Thomas More middle schools. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of artwork, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces, all created by local middle school artists. The show will feature a Teacher Choice award, a People's Choice award, where visitors can vote for their favorite piece of artwork, and a Certificate of Appreciation award. Light refreshments will be served, and the public is welcome to attend. The Emerging Visual Artists (EVA) program through the Rapid City Arts Council supports visual artists who are looking to gain experience working with art galleries and exhibiting their works for the first time. RCAC's education staff works with the artist through the entire process, from selecting works, getting critiques, pricing, writing a statement, and promoting the exhibit. If you are interested in the emerging visual artists program at the Dahl contact education@thedahl.org. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. ## For More Information: Maggie Jean Wince Marketing Director Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 x5 maggie.wince@thedahl.org 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 6, 2024
WHAT: 20th Annual Dahl Mountain Photo Competition + Exhibit EXHIBIT DATES: 02.23.24 – 04.20.24 ARTISTS’ RECEPTION | February 23, 5-7pm AWARDS CEREMONY | 6PM WHERE: Inez and Milton Shaver Gallery and Denise Du Broy Gallery, Dahl Arts Center We are pleased to announce the 20th Annual Dahl Mountain Photo Competition and Exhibit, where photographers from our community celebrate mountain culture through their own lens. This exhibition is on display at the Dahl Arts Center from February 23 through April 20, 2024. This exhibition is made possible through philanthropic members of the Dahl and the L.B. Lane Family Foundation. The awards presentation will occur on Friday, February 23 at 6pm. For a complete list of this year's selected artists, visit www.thedahl.org/dahlmtnphoto.html Participants in this year’s exhibition were chosen by a jury comprised of regional photographers, Dan Tackett, Nick Krull, and Jessica Nelson, owner of JD Photography. Awards are given in three exhibit categories– youth (18 and under), adult amateur/hobbyist, and adult experienced/professional. The competition received over 200 submissions this year, demonstrating the extent of local talent active in furthering the medium of photography in the region. Local photographer and avid rock climber, Sarah Ponwith said, “I love getting to share a moment in time amongst the dirt and grime and pure adrenaline we go through as climbers. Being a part of this exhibit is so incredible as I get to bring my adventure here to share with you.” The jurors selected 58 photos by 38 photographers for this outstanding exhibition of mountain-inspired photography. The Rapid City Arts Council will provide cash awards for first, second, and third place participants selected by the jury in all three categories, plus an award for Best of Showhe community is encouraged to vote forthe People’s Choice Award through the closing of the exhibit. For More Information, Contact: Noah Geiger Rapid City Arts Council Dahl Arts Center 605.394.4101 x2 Noah.Geiger@thedahl.org 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. By Maggie Jean Wince, RCAC Staff
Published in the February Edition of Black Hills Lifestyle Magazine Love.... some go looking for it, some stumble upon it, and some visit a small town during the holidays and find themselves with a dashing stranger ready to abandon their big-city aspirations for a simpler life. Love has inspired poets throughout the ages. If you’re feeling the stirrings of affection and hoping to convey your emotions in a way that transcends the ordinary, consider the beauty and power of crafting a love poem. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the enchanting process of putting pen to paper in the name of love. As you embark on the journey of crafting your love poem, let the expert wisdom of South Dakota’s poet laureate, Bruce Roseland, guide you. “Write from the heart,” Roseland says. “All good poetry starts from the memory of an emotional moment. From that point all things, including good poetry, flow. Wondering where that moment will turn up? Roseland finds, “Usually, it is an incident, the ah-ha moment when we receive insight into the nature of our world/lives. In this case, it is the relationships that make our life rich and whole.” Let these words guide your pen as you express your emotions by using the art of poetry. REFLECT ON YOUR FEELINGS Before you begin, take a moment to reflect on the emotions that course through you. What is it about this person that stirs your soul? Is it the way their eyes light up, the way they touch your hand while laughing, or how they simply say your name? Jot down these thoughts and let them be the foundation of your poem. FIND INSPIRATION IN NATURE AND METAPHORS Nature and metaphors often serve as poetic vehicles for expressing love. Compare your loved one to elements in nature – a gentle breeze, a blooming flower, or the warmth of the sun. Metaphors add layers of meaning and evoke vivid images that resonate with the reader. PLAY WITH RHYTHM AND RHYME Experiment with the rhythm of your poem. You can choose a traditional form with a regular meter and rhyme scheme, or opt for free verse for a more contemporary feel. Let the cadence of your words reflect the ebb and flow of your emotions. CAPTURE MOMENTS AND MEMORIES Recall special moments or shared memories that resonate with your love story. Whether it’s a quiet evening under the stars or a spontaneous adventure, reflect on that moment that made you say, “This person right here is my person.” These details add a personal touch to your poem and create a sense of intimacy. BE GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC The most compelling love poems are those that come from an authentic place. Be true to yourself and your emotions. Avoid clichés and express your feelings in a way that feels sincere and unique to you and your relationship. Try to avoid the phrase, roses are red. EDIT AND REFINE After the initial burst of creativity, revisit and refine your poem. Pay attention to the flow and eliminate unnecessary words. Ensure that each line contributes to the overall sentiment. A well- crafted love poem is a labor of love in itself. If you want to test your material before giving it to your one true love, the Dahl Arts Center is hosting a Spoken Word Open Mic on February 13. This event is free and open to the public! So, pick up your pen, let the ink flow, and embark on the journey of writing a love poem that will echo through the chambers of time. Dahl Arts Center @DahlArtsCenter thedahl.org (605)394-4101 713 7th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 South Dakota’s Governor's 10th Biennial Art Exhibition Concludes Statewide Tour in Rapid City12/14/2023 For Immediate Release: December 14, 2023
South Dakota’s Governor's 10th Biennial Art Exhibition Concludes Statewide Tour in Rapid City Show featuring 75 works of art by 69 South Dakota artists opens December 15th at the Dahl Arts Center. RAPID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council is pleased to announce the opening of the South Dakota Governor’s 10th Biennial Art Exhibition at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City, SD. This showcase of South Dakota artists will be open to the public from December 15, 2023, through March 30, 2024, in the Sen. Stan Adelstein & Lynda K. Clark Gallery. An artists’ reception will be held on March 29, 2024, from 5-7pm. This reception at the Dahl is free and open to the public, no registration is required to attend. The Biennial Art Exhibition features a collection of 75 artworks representing 69 South Dakota artists. Noah Gieger, the curator and gallery director at the Dahl Arts Center spoke to the process of selection.“The 10th Biennial Governor's Art Exhibition is known for bringing statewide arts institutions together,” Geiger said, “The Biennial is curated by each of the four institutions that jury the work, including the Rapid City Arts Council, the University of South Dakota, the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, and the South Dakota Art Museum. It then becomes an exhibition based upon their collaboration to present an expansive contemporary exhibition of South Dakota artists. The Dahl Arts Center serves as the fourth and only West River location for the show, providing a unique opportunity to connect the Black Hills to the diverse artistic communities from across the state.” Established in 2003, the South Dakota Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition aims to encourage and recognize South Dakota artists working today while promoting the artistic identity of the state. Governor Kristi Noem explained, “The Biennial Art Exhibition is the premier showcase for South Dakota’s impressive artists. The unique history and culture of our state is often best demonstrated through art.” Governor Noem continued, “I hope that every person who visits this year’s Biennial will feel a sense of pride in the work of our state’s accomplished artists.” The exhibition features works by Spearfish artist and educator J. Desy Schoenewies. About the exhibition, Schoenewies said, “It's an honor to be juried for the South Dakota Governor's Biennial because of the exhibit's high recognition and reach. Each Biennial exhibit offers a new opportunity to view a cohesive profile of contemporary artists across South Dakota.” Other West River artists exhibiting in the Biennial include Michael Baum, Chris Benson, Susan Drey, Becky Grismer, Dennis Linn, Tim Peterson, Daniel Tackett, Tenyoh, Tonna Zieske, and others. As part of its arts education mission, the Rapid City Arts Council will acquire two pieces from the Biennial for the permanent art collection housed at the Dahl Arts Center. The collection includes more than 300 works of regional significance. Pieces by J. Desy Schoeneweis and Paul Peterson will expand the representation of contemporary artists who have lived and worked in the Rapid City area. The acquisition was funded with support provided by the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts. The permanent collection will be exhibited at the Dahl Arts Center starting in June of 2024. The public can view the South Dakota Governor’s 10th Biennial Art Exhibition at the Dahl Arts Center Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free thanks to generous support of donors and members of the Dahl Arts Center and with funds from the City of Rapid City. WHO: Rapid City Arts Council WHAT: The South Dakota Governor’s 10th Biennial Art Exhibition EXHIBIT DATES: 12.15.2023 - 03.30.2024 ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: March 29, 2024 | 5-7pm WHERE: Sen. Stan Adelstein & Lynda K. Clark Gallery, Dahl Arts Center ### Contact: Maggie Wince Marketing Director Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 x5 marketing@thedahl.org About RCAC: The mission of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion inclusive, innovative, and inspiring arts opportunities to enrich the communities we serve. This organization was founded in 1968 by visionary artists and art enthusiasts, and in 1987, RCAC became the official partner in expanding the city’s arts and cultural resources. Since 1974, RCAC has been the proud steward of the Dahl Arts Center (thedahl.org), a civic resource owned by the City of Rapid City. RCAC is dedicated to advocating for the arts and amplifying the artistic voices of the region and offers a wide range of public arts programs, including exhibitions, live performances, and educational classes. This important work is made possible through the generous contributions of individual donors and organizations including the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, South Dakota 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 Rapid City Arts Council and the Dahl Arts Center are located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City. The center is open from Monday to Saturday, between 10 am and 5 pm and admission is free. Learn more at rapidcityartscouncil.org. Calling all Photographers for the 20th Annual Dahl Mountain Photo Competition & Exhibition12/13/2023 For Immediate Release: December 13, 2023
Calling All Photographers for the 20th Annual Dahl Mountain Photo Competition + Exhibit WHAT: Call to Artists for the 20th Annual Dahl Mountain Photo Competition + Exhibit SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, January 19, 2024 EXHIBIT DATES: 02.23.24 – 04.20.24 WHERE: Online Application Process | thedahl.org/dahlmtnphoto.html The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is seeking submissions for the 20th Annual Dahl Mountain Photo Competition + Exhibit, a juried photography exhibition based on mountain culture. All submissions are due by Friday, January 19. The exhibit will be on display from February 23 through April 20 in the Inez & Milton Shaver Gallery and the Denise Du Broy Gallery at the Dahl Arts Center. Submissions for this show should capture the essence of mountain culture lifestyle, encompassing the ideas, beliefs, and values shared by individuals immersed in such environments. Whether it's the Black Hills region or any other mountainous terrain, the content should reflect the unique way of life shaped by these landscapes. Judges (professional regional photographers) will select the show through a blind jury process. There are three exhibit categories – Youth (18 and under), Adult Amateur/Hobbyist, and Adult Experienced/Professional. Judges will award First, Second, and Third places in each category as well as a Best of Show Award. Award amounts are as follows: ∙ Youth (18 and under) 1st - $75 | 2nd - $50 | 3rd - $25 ∙ Adult Amateur/Hobbyist (over 18) 1st - $75 | 2nd - $50 |3rd - $25 ∙ Adult Experienced/Professional (over 18) 1st - $100 | 2nd - $75 |3rd - $50 ∙ Best of Show Award—$125 ∙ People’s Choice Award—$100 The submission process is entirely online, please visit thedahl.org/dahlmtnphoto to submit your application. This exhibition is sponsored by L.B. Lane Family Foundation, Constance Lane and David Cameron. ABOUT RCAC: The mission of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion inclusive, innovative, and inspiring arts opportunities to enrich the communities we serve. This organization was founded in 1968 by visionary artists and art enthusiasts, and in 1987, RCAC became the official partner in expanding the city’s arts and cultural resources. Since 1974, RCAC has been the proud steward of the Dahl Arts Center (thedahl.org), a civic resource owned by the City of Rapid City. RCAC is dedicated to advocating for the arts and amplifying the artistic voices of the region and offers a wide range of public arts programs, including exhibitions, live performances, and educational classes. This important work is made possible through the generous contributions of individual donors and organizations including the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, South Dakota 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 Rapid City Arts Council and the Dahl Arts Center are located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City. The center is open from Monday to Saturday, between 10 am and 5 pm and admission is free. Learn more at rapidcityartscouncil.org. For More Information: Jeannie Larson Assistant Curator & Volunteer Coordinator Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 x2 Jeannie.larson@thedahl.org For Immediate Release: December 8, 2023
New Emerging Visual Artist, Tia Erin, Exhibiting at the Dahl Arts Center WHAT: Gestalt Symbology Exhibition EXHIBIT DATES: 12.14.23 – 02.29.24 ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: December 14 | 5-7pm WHERE: Bruce H Lien Cultural Café & Gallery | Dahl Arts Center The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is pleased to announce that we will host an exhibition by Tia Erin, an Emerging Visual Artist. This exhibition will be displayed in the Bruce H Lien Cultural Café & Gallery at the Dahl Arts Center from December 14, 2023, through February 29, 2024. As part of the show, an opening reception with the artist will be held on Thursday, December 14 from 5-7pm. Tia Erin is an experimental artist living and working in South Dakota. Her work is a reflection of her constant exploration of mediums and motivations. Obtaining her associate degree in Photography from Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, started a journey that led to Spearfish, South Dakota where she would begin her BFA in Photography with an Art Management minor at Black Hills State University, later adding BFAs in Studio Art and Graphic Design. Being able to work with a flexible modality has led to an eccentric portfolio spanning digital, 3-D, traditional, and alternative process artworks. Tia’s exhibit is called Gestalt Symbology, the word Gestalt is often defined as “The sum of the parts is worth more than the whole.” In reality, the original philosophy of German Gestalt psychologist Kurt Koffka is “the whole is something else than the sum of its parts.” While each piece is relevant and important it is the transformation into something bigger than the individual that brings forth inspiration. In a similar perspective, Sacred Geometry is seen as the “blueprint of creation” that depicts patterns in creation and energy through the use of geometric shapes and proportions. Tia is an artist in RCAC’s Emerging Visual Artist program (EVA). EVA supports visual artists looking to gain experience working with art galleries and exhibiting their works for the first time. RCAC’s education staff works with the artist through the entire process, from selecting works, soliciting critiques, pricing works, and developing an artist statement to creating and promoting the exhibit. The public is invited to experience "Gestalt Symbology" and attend a free artist reception at the Dahl Arts Center on December 14, from 5-7pm. The show will be exhibited through February 29, 2024. ABOUT RCAC: The mission of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion inclusive, innovative, and inspiring arts opportunities to enrich the communities we serve. This organization was founded in 1968 by visionary artists and art enthusiasts, and in 1987, RCAC became the official partner in expanding the city’s arts and cultural resources. Since 1974, RCAC has been the proud steward of the Dahl Arts Center (thedahl.org), a civic resource owned by the City of Rapid City. RCAC is dedicated to advocating for the arts and amplifying the artistic voices of the region and offers a wide range of public arts programs, including exhibitions, live performances, and educational classes. This important work is made possible through the generous contributions of individual donors and organizations including the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, South Dakota 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 Rapid City Arts Council and the Dahl Arts Center are located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City. The center is open from Monday to Saturday, between 10 am and 5 pm and admission is free. Learn more at rapidcityartscouncil.org. ## For More Information: Maggie Jean Wince Marketing Director Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 x5 maggie.wince@thedahl.org For Immediate Release: December 4, 2023
3D Topography and Technology Exhibition by Quintin Owens Set to Open at the Dahl Arts Center WHAT: TOPO by Quintin Owens EXHIBIT DATES: 12.08.23 – 03.16.24 ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: December 8|5-7pm WHERE: Ruth Brennan Gallery | Dahl Arts Center WHY: Bringing ART + PEOPLE together The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is pleased to announce we will host TOPO, an exhibition of works by Spearfish-based Quintin Owens. This exhibition will be displayed in the Ruth Brennan Gallery of the Dahl Arts Center from December 8, 2023, through March 16, 2024. As part of the show, the RCAC will host an opening reception with the artist on December 8 from 5-7pm. TOPO is an exhibition of Quintin’s four most recent series. Quintin uses the language of maps and data to create form. The works reflect iconic Black Hills topography such as Lookout Mountain, Crow Peak, Spearfish Mountain, Bear Butte, and Terry Peak, as objects of wonder. Each location is represented by its seven highest contour lines utilizing topographic maps and satellite elevation data produced by NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour. This work is an effort to traverse between the documentation of place and the ever-changing encounters of immediate experience. In addition, Quintin has used his personal experience to create 3D-printed wall hangings of vegetation found in each of these locations. Quintin is the Chair of the School of Arts and Humanities at Black Hills State University. He received a Master of Fine Arts from Pennsylvania State University. He has a special interest in digital fabrication processes that connect ceramics with 2D and 3D art production. Galleries and Artist Receptions at the Dahl Arts Center are open to the public Monday-Saturday from 10am-5pm, and admission is free. The mission of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion inclusive, innovative, and inspiring arts opportunities to enrich the communities we serve. This organization was founded in 1968 by visionary artists and art enthusiasts, and in 1987, RCAC became the official partner in expanding the city’s arts and cultural resources. Since 1974, RCAC has been the proud steward of the Dahl Arts Center (thedahl.org), a civic resource owned by the City of Rapid City. RCAC is dedicated to advocating for the arts and amplifying the artistic voices of the region and offers a wide range of public arts programs, including exhibitions, live performances, and educational classes. This important work is made possible through the generous contributions of individual donors and organizations including the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, South Dakota 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 Rapid City Arts Council and the Dahl Arts Center are located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City. The center is open from Monday to Saturday, between 10 am and 5 pm and admission is free. Learn more at rapidcityartscouncil.org. For More Information: Maggie Jean Wince Marketing Director Rapid City Arts Council 605.394.4101 x5 maggie.wince@thedahl.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2023
Rapid City Arts Council Presents Dual Exhibition: Weeds and Wildflowers of South Dakota by Barbara Sparks and Quilted Landscapes by Tonna Zieske RAPID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is pleased to announce the concurrent exhibitions of "Weeds and Wildflowers of South Dakota" by Barbara Sparks and "Quilted Landscapes" by Tonna Zieske at the Dahl Arts Center. These exhibits will run from November 17, 2023, through February 17, 2024. Weeds and Wildflowers of South Dakota by Barbara Sparks Barbara Sparks, a renowned watercolor artist from Sioux Falls, invites art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of South Dakota's landscapes. Inspired by her journeys through the backroads during the pandemic, Barbara's exhibition captures the essence of wildflowers found near Rapid City. The exhibition will be within the Milton and Inez Shaver Gallery at the Dahl Arts Center with an opening reception on November 17 from 5-7pm, including an artist's talk at 6:00pm. Barbara Sparks, originally a potter, transitioned to watercolor in 2002. She co-founded the Great Plains Watercolor Society and has been dedicated to painting and teaching since her involvement in the Artist in Residence program at Avera Cancer Institute. Quilted Landscapes by Tonna Zieske Works by Tonna Zieske, a self-taught fabric artist and Rapid City local, will be featured in "Quilted Landscapes," an exhibition in the Denise Du Broy Gallery. This exhibition features Tonna's unique quilted artworks that have been nationally recognized and are inspired by her photographic experiences throughout the four seasons in rural South Dakota. Tonna's quilts, resembling paintings from a distance, showcase her technique of using repositionable adhesive, cotton batik fabrics, and a stationary home sewing machine. The arts council will host an opening reception on November 17 from 5-7pm, with the artist scheduled to speak about her works at 5:45 pm. ## Media Contact: Maggie Jean Wince Marketing Director, Rapid City Arts Council Phone: 605.394.4101 x3 Email: Marketing@thedahl.org Today, the Pennington County State Attorney's Office announced that its Juvenile Diversion Program is one of five programs nationally to receive a $50,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The competitive grant supports high-quality arts programs for justice-involved youth and will fund the county's Just Us Mural Project ("JUMP") in partnership with the Rapid City Arts Council. JUMP will serve an estimated 300 participants in the county’s diversion and detention programs.
The vision for JUMP is that justice-involved youth will benefit from culturally relevant arts education, resulting in fewer disciplinary infractions and greater compassion for themselves and others. The theory is that if justice-involved youth have opportunities to engage in group-based projects to create public murals, the participants will participate less often in high-risk behavior, gain critical self-management and social skills, develop new social bonds, and heal from traumas that lead to involvement in the justice system. “For at-risk youths, the arts can provide an outlet to address emotional and/or problem behaviors through opportunities to learn new skills and express thoughts and ideas in creative and therapeutic ways,” said Juvenile Diversion Director Kim Morsching. JUMP will include monthly mural workshops for Juvenile Diversion (JD) participants at the Dahl Arts Center, and for detained youth at the Juvenile Services Center (JSC). JD and JSC participants will work together in a cohort to complete an art project from start to finish and share the work in a ceremony with family and the community. By the end of the program, there will be 16 murals on public display, and the youth’s family and the broader community will be invited to support the participants’ artistic achievements. "There isn't one aspect of life that art can't make better. Youth involved in our justice system often lack opportunities in the arts," said Rapid City Arts Council education director Melissa Nelson. "This grant will enable the arts council to expand the murals program in partnership with local artists as they work with these students to find their voices and express their stories through the transformative medium of murals. These collaborative art installations will support youth involved in the justice system and enrich our community as powerful symbols of resilience and the potential for positive change." The project will begin in November and conclude in March 2025 with an exhibition of the JUMP artwork at the Dahl Arts Center. For interview requests, please get in touch with Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer Katy Urban at (605)390-1182 or Rapid City Arts Council Education Director Melissa Nelson at (605)394-4101 x 3. The mission of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion inclusive, innovative, and inspiring arts opportunities to enrich the communities we serve. This organization was founded in 1968 by visionary artists and art enthusiasts, and in 1987, RCAC became the official partner in expanding the city’s arts and cultural resources. Since 1974, RCAC has been the proud steward of the Dahl Arts Center, a civic resource owned by the City of Rapid City. RCAC is dedicated to advocating for the arts and amplifying the artistic voices of the region and offers a wide range of public arts programs, including exhibitions, live performances, and educational classes. Support comes from the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, South Dakota 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, and many local donors. Learn more at rapidcityartscouncil.org. |