This August, the Harvey Dunn Society is hosting its 17th Annual Plein Air Event on August 7, 8, 9 and wet sale on August 10 in De Smet.  We are extending an invitation to your school’s art students and enthusiasts to our event.  This is a free registration event that includes workshops, social events and an opportunity to meet and paint beside other artists. 

Harvey Dunn, American artist was born near Manchester, South Dakota. He studied art at South Dakota Agricultural College and continued his studies at the Chicago Art Institute.  He also served in the armed forces during WWI, painting war scenarios while he traveled the world. He is possibly known best for his prairie series paintings, many which were donated and are now housed and on display at the South Dakota Art Museum on the SDSU campus. 

Each year, our society strives to commemorate the significance of prairie art.   This year is going to be a special event, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 1950 public display of his works at the Masonic Lodge in De Smet.  The importance of this event was that Harvey Dunn was so moved by the public interest of his works at that time, he donated them for public viewing and appreciation.