Michael Aasness is a 2017 graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education and Painting Certificate. Michael has been the 6-12 Art Instructor for Sioux Valley School District since 2017, and is currently in his eighth year teaching. 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 an artist, Michael continues to exhibit his artwork professionally throughout the Midwest. This includes a number of solo and group exhibitions throughout his career. The alumni exhibition “Now and Then” follows up his most recent show “TEACH” held at this past fall at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in New York Mills, MN, which featured the work of art educators Michael Aasness, Peder Butenhoff, with a nod to Jim Borgreen.

“I am honored and thankful to share my artwork in an alumni solo exhibition at my alma mater- SDSU. Throughout my teaching career I have continued to create artwork and exhibit my work professionally, always continuing to learn and grow in my craft. The artworks displayed in the exhibition “Now and Then” features artwork created throughout my teaching career, and reflects various imagery around me including memories, objects, landscapes, and different perspectives.”

An opening reception is planned for Monday, December 9, from 4- 6 pm, with artist remarks at 5 pm. The Ritz Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The gallery is closed on weekends, state holidays, and during SDSU’s winter break: Dec 19-Jan 12. M-F gallery hours resume with the start of the spring semester on Jan 13, 2025.