RAPID CITY ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS THE DAHL ARTS CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT ART AUCTION

For Immediate Release: August 20, 2024
RAPID CITY ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS THE DAHL ARTS CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT ART AUCTION
Featuring Works By Over 50 Artists to Support the Dahl’s Visual Arts and “Always Free Admission” Initiative

Rapid City, SD - The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) Board of Directors is proud to announce The Dahl’s 50th Anniversary Benefit Art Auction, opening on September 6, 2024. The auction will feature a curated selection of works from over 50 Black Hills artists and collectors, culminating in a special gala evening on October 5th. The auction includes works by artists who have exhibited at the Dahl throughout its history, alongside artists making their debut. Participating artists and collectors will receive up to 50 percent of the proceeds, with remaining funds supporting the Dahl’s visual arts program, sustaining “Always Free Admission,” and creating a “Next 50” initiative to enhance the Dahl experience for future visitors and artists.

"We are excited about the opportunities this auction will bring to our acclaimed exhibition and arts education programs at the Dahl," said RCAC Executive Director Jacqui Dietrich. "These programs, which serve thousands of children and adults each year, thrive thanks to the creativity of our artists and the generous support of our community over the decades. And it’s an opportunity to take home some incredible art original to our community!"

"As we commemorate the Dahl Arts Center’s 50th anniversary, we reflect on a legacy built upon the power of art to transform lives and our community. This art auction celebrates the extraordinary talent of our local artists and the passion of our community, said RCAC Board President Anjelica Sasse. “By supporting the Dahl, you’re investing in a future where art continues to thrive and enrich us all."

The auction, hosted virtually, will feature over 70 artworks by some of the region’s most prominent established and emerging artists. Bidding is online-only, running from Friday, September 6 at 7PM through Saturday, October 5 at 6PM. This auction and exhibit will be held in place of The GOODS, offering a wider range of artworks in various sizes and a new format in which artists can decide how much of the sale to donate. 

In addition to the virtual auction, the artwork will be showcased in an exhibition at the Dahl, also September 6 through October 5, allowing bidders to view the pieces in person. This exhibition offers all Dahl visitors the chance to see works on exhibition at the Dahl during regular hours.

Bidding in the auction is included with tickets to the 50th Anniversary Gala on October 5th. For those unable to attend the gala, silent auction registration is available separately at thedahl.org/50years.
A special VIP Preview & Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 6, from 5-7PM, exclusively for Dahl members and patrons. This event offers members the opportunity to view the works, meet the artists and exhibit curators, and purchase pieces before the auction opens to the public. Memberships start at $25 and can be purchased at thedahl.org or during the event.
The roster of artists participating in the auction and exhibition include Michael Ramey, Deborah Mitchell, Quintin Owens, Deb Hayes Zimmerman, Gina Gibson, Tim Peterson, Luke Gorder, Donald F. Montileaux, Tonna Zieske, Tani Gordon, Lorri Ann Two Bulls, Amber Zora, Becky Grismer, and many others.
Artworks can be viewed online at: THEDAHL.ORG/50YEARS

The Dahl’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations

The Benefit Art Auction is a virtual event featuring over 70 original works by renowned regional artists. Bidding will be hosted online only at THEDAHL.ORG/50YEARS, from Friday, September 6, 2024 at 7PM and to Saturday, October 5 at 6PM.

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the Rapid City Arts Council Board of Directors will host the 50th Anniversary Fundraiser Gala at the Dahl Arts Center. This once-in-a-lifetime “Next 50” celebration will raise vital funds to ensure the Dahl remains a vibrant institution for future generations. The evening’s events include cocktails and gallery viewing, seated dinner, a live auction featuring lifestyle experiences and artwork by Dale Lamphere, followed by music and dancing. Black-tie optional attire. Tickets are available at thedahl.org/50years.

Additionally, Friends of the Dahl will host a family-friendly Community Appreciation Night to commemorate the Dahl's 50th anniversary. The event will include art activities, performances, artist demonstrations, cake and ice cream, and a free concert with Toadstool Jamboree. The event will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 5-8PM at the Dahl Arts Center. Free tickets are available now at THEDAHL.ORG/50YEARS.

The 50th anniversary festivities are made possible in part by Black Hills Energy, Monument Health, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, 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 50th anniversary celebrations or to share your memories and best wishes, visit THEDAHL.ORG/50YEARS.

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.

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