By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota
Summer is a great season to discover something new in the arts, to get away from your normal routine and be culturally adventurous. One of the great things about living in South Dakota is that we have so many ways to explore new artistic and cultural pathways.
My aunt decided that her school clarinet had gathered dust long enough, so she got it back into working order, starting playing and wound up joining the community band. It was challenging at first, but now she loves making music as a part of her life again. It was a bold, fun thing for her to do—and you can do it, too.
If you’ve always wanted to experiment with painting, there are plein air outdoor events all over the state this summer. You don’t have to be a professional artist, you just need paints, a brush and the enthusiasm to get out there and see nature in a whole new way. You’ll be welcomed by a group of people who love making art together—and sharing our state’s natural beauty.
If your adventurous side longs to taste new foods, kick up your heels in ethic dances and learn more about a different culture, South Dakota in the summer is the place to be. The rhythmic excitement of our state’s many wacipis, or powwows and the small town charm of heritage festivals celebrating Scandinavian, German or Czech traditions enliven the warm weather months and welcome visitors throughout the state.
For a day filled with a wide variety of arts experiences, take in an arts in the park event. From Spearfish to Brookings and Sisseton to Custer, you’ll find gatherings of artists, musicians and food for the whole family. Take in a play, check out an art exhibit, live it up at a street dance—it’s all there waiting for you this summer in South Dakota!
For a calendar of arts events or to learn more about the arts in South Dakota, join us online at www.ArtsSouthDakota.org.
