Arts South Dakota

Exhibition on view: The Augustana High School Invitational
2026-02-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-06 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Eide/Dalrymple Gallery at Augustana University, 2120 S Grange Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57197, Sioux Falls, 57197, United States
The exhibition of over one hundred ten artworks showcases a diverse array of artistic expressions from talented students from twenty-two regional high schools. The artists, who range from freshmen to seniors, have created in a wide range of mediums, including: ceramics, drawing, digital art, photography, mixed media, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.

Chorus rehearsal
2026-02-05 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Denver) | Performing Arts Center, 601 Columbus St, Rapid City, SD, United States

Yankton High School
2026-02-06, 2026-02-07, 2026-02-08, 2026-02-09, 2026-02-10 | Yankton Area Arts, 508 Douglas Ave, Yankton, 57078, United States
YAA Art Exhibit, Opening Reception, Artists Meet & Greet – Yankton Highscool artists

Flyover: ​Visual Art Forum I
2026-02-06, 2026-02-07, 2026-02-08, 2026-02-09 | Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th St, Rapid City, SD, United States
Dale Lamphere, Roger Broer, Bill Fleming, Susan Turnbull, Ray Tysdal, and Kenny Putnam
11.21.25 – 02.14.26
Ruth Brennan Gallery
Reception December 19 | 5-7pm
Six artists from Flyover Country – longtime friends – all working in different styles and media, have come together to share ideas and participate in each others art making process. Starting a work and turning it over to fellow artists, who add their unique visions and expressions, creates a whole new set of looks and feels, igniting even further creative conversation The show features several solo pieces from each artist as well as sample collaborative works with the other artists. Let the conversation begin!

Journeys to the Edge: The Artistic Legacy of Waud, Burns, and Crane
2026-02-06 - 2026-02-07, 2026-02-07 - 2026-02-08, 2026-02-08 - 2026-02-09, 2026-02-09 - 2026-02-10 | The Journey Museum, 222 New York St, Rapid City, SD, United States
The Journey Museum is pleased to announce the opening of an exciting new art exhibition, Journeys to the Edge: The Artistic Legacy of Waud, Burns, and Crane, on August 23rd, 2025 in our Contemporary Gallery. This exhibition is included with regular museum admission and will be on display through April 4th, 2026.
Journeys to the Edge explores the artistic legacy, family connection, and the enduring power of place. This unique exhibition brings together the works of three artists: Alfred R. Waud, Milton J. Burns, and Jon Crane.

Always a Student
2026-02-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-09 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery, 12th Ave SE, Aberdeen, 57401, United States
The NSU Art Department is pleased to announce its new gallery exhibition “Always a Student” displayed at the Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery on the campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. The two-person exhibition features the artwork of artists Michael Aasness and Mark Stemwedel.
The artwork will be on display from January 12 – March 6, 2026. A closing reception is planned to be held on Friday, March 6 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The exhibition primarily focuses on painting but also includes a range of artworks, including mixed media, drawings, and sculpture. Northern Galleries are open from 8 am to 5 pm and by appointment on weekends. The gallery will also be open during music and theatre performances in the evenings. Artist talks are free and open to the public.
“Always a Student” will provide a perspective on teachers’ reciprocal and evolving connection with their students. It will celebrate the ongoing and cyclical nature of creativity, teaching, and mentorship of art instructors. Featuring the works of two South Dakota art educators, the exhibition will highlight the diverse perspectives, techniques, and inspirations that each of them brings to their roles as teachers.
Michael Aasness has taught art to grades 6-12 at Sioux Valley School District in Volga, SD, for nine years. Michael is a 2017 graduate from the Studio Art Program at SDSU in Art Education, with an emphasis in painting. Michael continues to exhibit his artwork professionally throughout the Midwest, which includes a number of solo and group exhibitions throughout his career thus far. In the 2020- 2021 school year, Michael was named “Teacher of the Year” for Sioux Valley School District and was nominated for South Dakota Art Educator of the Year.
As a student, Michael studied painting under Mark Stemwedel at SDSU. Mark Stemwedel has taught courses in painting and drawing since 2008. He earned an M.F.A. in Painting from the University of South Dakota and a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from South Dakota State University. Mark’s paintings have been featured at the Washington Pavilion and IPSO Gallery in Sioux Falls, SD. His work has also been displayed at the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings, SD, and in numerous national juried exhibitions. He previously received a South Dakota Arts Council Artist Development Grant. In 2023, he was awarded the South Dakota Arts Council Artist Fellowship.
Michael and Mark have impacted students from our region by sharing the importance of artistic exploration and creative expression. As artists, they contribute to the local and regional artistic community and continue to exhibit their artwork throughout the Midwest.
EXHIBITION NARRATIVE
“Always a Student” – Michael Aasness and Mark Stemwedel
From the outside, a teacher/student relationship may appear hierarchical. However, in art education it is far more reciprocal. Specific teacher/student roles are defined only within a classroom framework for a semester or a few short years. Students grow and move into their own professional roles as teachers. Teachers build connections and help others achieve their goals and dreams. The true nature of those connections is that we inform and inspire each other, perhaps in different ways, and artistic growth benefits from these meaningful interactions. Sometimes, artists have no other teacher to help them except themselves. Teaching and learning in the arts are fundamentally different, but lifelong learning is the goal. It is not about a specific answer but about searching. It is about learning to learn. It is about creating your own path of discovery. Students become teachers. Teachers become students.

Calling for entries into the Dakota MasterWorks Art Show
2026-02-06 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-07 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-08 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-09 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | South Dakota Health Care Association Office, 804 N Western Ave, Sioux Falls, 57104, United States
🎨 Calling All South Dakota Artists Age 60+! 🎨
We’re excited to announce the 28th Annual Dakota MasterWorks Art Show, a celebration of creativity and talent in South Dakota’s older adults!
If you’re age 60 or older, we invite you to showcase your artistic talents in one or more of the following categories:
• Oils
• Acrylics
• Watercolors
• Drawing/Pastels/Scratchboard
• Photography
• Mixed Media
• Creative Woodworking
Entry Dates:
October 6–10, 2025
Entries accepted between 9 AM – 3 PM at:
South Dakota Health Care Association Office
804 N Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Entry forms and criteria available at:
www.sdhca.org/dakota-masterworks
https://www.sdhca.org/dakota-masterworks

40th Annual Stilwell Student Awards Exhibition
2026-02-06 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-09 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | John A Day Gallery, East Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069, United States
The Stilwell Student Awards Exhibition is an annual exhibit in the John A. Day Gallery at the University of South Dakota, recognizing the talent and creative work from MFA and BFA students in the Department of Art. The exhibit is named in honor of Former Chair and Professor of Art Wilber Stilwell, his wife, Gladys Stilwell, and the Stilwell family, who continue to provide support for the exhibition.

NMM Live! | Kuok-Wai Lio
2026-02-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | National Music Museum Performance Hall, East Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069, United States
Event Contact: National Music MuseumContact Email: nmm@usd.eduContact Phone: 605-658-3450Event URL: https://www.nmmusd.org/events/a1ae3b5a-fc9f-46d9-9940-eebaa9a27f67Event Locator: 2025-ACGQQT
Join us for a concert with internationally acclaimed pianist Kuok-Wai Lio, performing on the National Music Museum’s historic Mason & Hamlin grand piano (NMM 15722). Known for its warmth, resonance, and expressive range, this beautifully restored instrument provides the perfect canvas for Lio’s poetic musical voice.
A Curtis Institute graduate and Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient, Lio has appeared with major orchestras around the world, including the China Philharmonic, Camerata Salzburg, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and Houston Symphony. His artistry has earned top prizes in international competitions and led to collaborations with many distinguished musicians and conductors.Lio’s musical journey began in Macau, where he made his concerto debut at age ten. His studies and subsequent career have taken him across Asia, Europe, and the United States, including regular participation at the Marlboro Music Festival. He has been honored for cultural achievement in his home city and has performed for international dignitaries.
Recent highlights include a featured performance for AAPI Heritage Month (2023), a 2024 concert for peace in Milan, and an appearance at the New York Encounter.
Experience the blend of masterful artistry and historic craftsmanship as Lio brings the NMM’s Mason & Hamlin piano to life in a program rich with color and expression.
Free with admission (always free for USD faculty, staff, & students)
Event will be livestreamed here.

40th Annual Stilwell Student Awards Exhibition Reception
2026-02-06 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | John A Day Gallery, East Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069, United States
Public Reception and Awards Ceremony for the 40th Annual Stilwell Student Awards Exhibition in the John A. Day Gallery, Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, University of South Dakota

First Friday Artists at the Studio
2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Serendipity Studio Gallery & Gifts, 230 S. Phillips Ave., Suite 204, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, United States
Join us for an unique opportunity to meet a few of our wonderful artists and see more of their work. Featured artists will be set up around the building showing new and warehoused artwork of their own making.
Happening during Downtown Sioux Falls First Friday, stop into the studio and check this out.

Dave Martinson's Big Band Concert and Chocolate Tasting
2026-02-08 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | Sturgis Community Center Theater, Lazelle Street, Sturgis, SD, 57785, United States
Get your calendar out and save the afternoon of Sunday, February 8th, for the Big Band Concert along with our annual Chocolate Tasting event. The Band, under the direction of David Martinson, is presenting another wonderful big band concert that afternoon. In addition, during intermission you can enjoy the yummy taste of homemade chocolate delights made by local chefs. Make sure to mark it down now so you don’t forget!
The concert will be held at 2:00pm in the Sturgis Community Center Theater.
Admission price for this afternoon of music and chocolate is $20.
Bring someone you love – or give YOURSELF a little love – and join us for this afternoon of music and sweets.
Did you know? ….. A big band is a type of musical ensemble associated with playing jazz music during the early ‘30s until the late ‘40s. Big Bands evolved with the times and continue to this day. A big band typically consists of approximately 12 to 25 musicians and contains saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section.
Beginning in the mid ‘20s, big bands came to dominate popular music. At that time they usually played a form of jazz that involved very little improvisation. Orchestras tended to stick to the melody as it was written and vocals would be sung in tune with the melody. Swing music began appearing in the early ‘30s and flourished around 1936, when big bands rose to prominence playing Swing music and held a major role in defining swing as a distinctive style.
There was a considerable range of styles among the bands. Many reflected the individuality of the bandleader, the lead arranger, and the personnel. The popularity of many of the major bands was amplified by star vocalists. Big Bands played a major role in lifting morale during World War II. Many band members served in the military and toured with USO troupes at the front.
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And – after the Big Band Concert – Pancakes!!
The Ft. Meade Museum will be holding their annual fund-raising Pancake Supper this same evening (Sunday, February 8th) after the Big Band Concert. You can make a whole day of it! Come have your dessert first – and then head over to the Sturgis Senior Citizens Center for some warm fluffy pancakes on a cold February evening.
The Senior Center is located at 919 Harley-Davidson Way – just a couple of blocks east and across the street from the Community Center. They’ll start serving pancakes at 4:30pm. There will be pancakes and all the fixings. Donations for the meal are happily accepted and monies raised will go to support the Ft. Meade Museum.

Self Care Sunday
2026-02-08 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Denver) | The Matthews Opera House – Theatre, 612 Main St, Spearfish, SD, United States
Second Sunday at the MatthewsWe are pleased to bring a beautiful Self-Care Series of intentional and meaningful collaboration to support the community. The Matthews Opera House, CAT Scratch Studios and Creative Explorations Nonprofit invite you to join us for restful sound meditations throughout the school year and into June. Mark your calendars now. You will experience the offerings of four different practitioners throughout the series. Each of the meditations in this Self–Care Series include crystal singing bowls as well as other gentle and soothing sound therapy.
Once a month, plan your second Sunday at the Matthews Opera House to escape the day to day hustle. Rest and enjoy the experience of the subtle energies of vibrational healing. Sessions may include light yogic warmups that are gentle and appropriate for all ages and abilities. Bring your yoga mat, water bottle, a fuzzy blanket and any other props to support you as you settle into your most blissful state. Seating is also an option. These times are curated for you to deeply relax and balance your mind/body for the upcoming week. Join us.
Tickets are $15 per person and class is limited to 30 participants
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Session Practicioners
January 11 – Kiah Crowley
February 8 – Cary Thrall
March 8 – Polly Garrett
April 12 – Kiah Crowley
May 10 (Mother’s Day) – Cary Thrall
June 14 – Polly Garrett
Kiah Crowley:
Kiah Crowley, a beekeeper and owner of Sunrise Hives in Spearfish, knows what gold is and what good vibrations can do. Her honey is liquid light, and her sound therapy sessions connect you to the beyond.Kiah is a multi-talented creative soul. She is a classically trained violinist, teaches children about the secrets of bees and other pollinators. She shares art lessons and her yoga and sound therapy classes in a variety of settings. You can find her during special events throughout the Black Hills, including Farmer’s Markets, Yoga Festivals and more.
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Polly Garrett:
My sound healing journey began over five years ago with a transformative experience at a sound bath. From that moment, I knew sound healing would play a vital role in my life. I developed a deep interest in the therapeutic effects of sound therapy, exploring the use of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and various healing instruments.
This fascination led me to become a certified Sound Healing Practitioner through multiple esteemed programs, including the International Sound Healing Academy. Sharing the gift of sound and vibration has been profoundly rewarding, as I witness the positive impact it has on others.
I firmly believe that the harmonious integration of yoga, meditation, and sound therapy can create profound peace and balance in the lives of my participants. Join me in this journey toward healing and well-being through sound
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Cary A. Thrall Bio
Cary A. Thrall is a professional artist and educator. Inspired by the science of sound’s influence on brain activity, she furthered her yogic journey in 2012 with her Kundalini yoga and sound healing training. Her sound sessions are focused on mantra and crystal singing bowls.
She is a community connector, blending yogic practices with creativity and collaboration. She curates lessons, events and experiences for people to learn and grow. Utilizing her skill sets to promote change work, support personal exploration, mental and emotional well-being. Her teachings radiate from the heart space, encouraging others to live with authenticity and grace.
Cary teaches in diverse settings including festivals, schools, libraries and for sports teams. She welcomes all ages and abilities as she develops sessions that foster inner alignment and community connection through the healing power of exploration in yoga, art, sound and more.
Cary is a Black Hills woman, appreciating outdoor adventures with her husband and their sweet furry friends.
E-RYT® 200 and YACEP® certified instructor through Yoga Alliance
Explore more of Cary’s work
catscratchstudios.org
creative-explorations.org
