This reception will also celebrate 20 years of the Gallery being open!! There will be a ribbon cutting with the chamber of commerce and a free tour of the Matthews.
“Beyond to Frame” is an innovative new exhibit in the Matthews Gallery developed in partnership with the Black Hills State University Department of Fine Arts. In a traditional gallery experience, patrons view framed artwork from an appropriate distance. However, in “Beyond the Frame,” artworks are hands-on pieces that visitors are encouraged to interact with.
We invite you to explore the space and installations with a mindset of curiosity as well as experience pieces from the perspective of someone who may be differently-abled.
By immersing ourselves in how we experience the world and how we interact with it, we can create experiences that are more accessible to everyone regardless of abilities. By simply acknowledging a reality different than our own we can begin to create one that is equitable to all.
Artwork will take on a variety of different forms that allow you to visualize sound waves, experiment with color spectrums, and immerse yourself in tactile experiences. In this show, you can manipulate shadow puppets, explore texture-driven exhibits, and make your own art with “tall and small” art experiences. 
In addition to a focus on accessible art pieces, work in this exhibit also revolves around the accessibility of art making. Oftentimes people barricade themselves behind the impression of “I’m not an artist.” They limit themselves to common art skills such as drawing, painting, or sculpting using specific tools and mediums. Removing those barriers of expectations and providing unique tools and perspectives opens a pathway into the idea that “art is for everyone.” At the Matthews, we strive to foster creativity in whatever form it can be found and share those experiences with our community.
“Beyond the Frame” will also feature works created by students from Canyon Hills Center as part of a community outreach program fostered by Lutheran Social Services and the Matthews. Twice monthly, artists collaborate with the students to explore art in a wide array of mediums from poetry to collage. 
The exhibit opens to the public on November 18 with an opening reception scheduled on Friday, November 22 from 5-7 pm in the Matthews Gallery.
We are so grateful to the Sponsors who helped make this experience a reality!
Pioneer Bank & Trust
Clarkson Family Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Arts Midwest
City of Spearfish
South Dakota Arts Council
Black Hills State University – Department of Fine Arts