Rapid City, SD — The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC), through Big Read Rapid City, invites artists to submit works for Wayfinder, a compelling exhibition at the Dahl Arts Center that explores the intricate tapestry of human experience. Through this exhibition, artists are encouraged to submit works that explore themes of navigation, guidance, and the quest for meaning, weaving their unique perspectives into a shared narrative of wayfinding.

Drawing from Andrew Krivak’s novel, The Bear, this exhibition celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the power of nature as a guide, and the universal search for meaning and belonging. Participating artists can receive a complimentary copy of The Bear to inspire their creative process, available at the Dahl. Whether capturing moments of striking out in a new direction, guiding others on their paths, or seeking a homecoming, Wayfinder invites you to share your artistic journey with our community.

Exhibition Themes:

  • Navigation: Intuition, dreams, and spiritual guidance.

  • Waypoints: Journeys—both physical and metaphorical, from the mundane to the mythic.

  • The Crossroads: Critical turning points and choices that shape destinies.

  • The Horizon: Hope, aspiration, and the unknown future.

Artists are invited to submit up to five artworks in any medium, including painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, photography, digital art, performance art, and installation art. Each submission must include high-resolution images and a 2–5 sentence reflection connecting the work to the theme. Entries should be emailed to entries@thedahl.org with the subject line “Wayfinder Entry – Your Name” and include contact information, artwork title, size, medium, and year of creation. For performance art, a detailed description or video must be provided. Entry is free, and additional information is available at thedahl.org/wayfinder.

Important Dates:

  • Deadline for Entries: Wednesday, January 8, 2025

  • Notification of Selection: January 10, 2025

  • Exhibition Dates: January 24 – April 26, 2025

  • Opening Reception: January 24, 2025 from 5-7pm at the Dahl Arts Center

Selected works will be displayed in the Lynda K. Clark and Stan Adelstein Gallery at the Dahl Arts Center and featured prominently during The Big Read events. The reception and awards for the Wayfinderexhibition will be held on January 24 from 5-7pm. All exhibition openings at the Dahl are free and open for the community to attend. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Rapid City is one of 62 communities nationwide participating in the NEA Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. From December 2024 through June 2025, our community will celebrate The Bear by Andrew Krivak with a full calendar of events, broadening our understanding of the world, our communities, and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience. Check out the full list of events and art activities on our website, rapidcityartscouncil.org/bigread.

Submit your work to this extraordinary exploration of humanity’s shared journey. Let your art guide the way! For additional details, please visit thedahl.org/wayfinder.

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For More Information:
Maggie Lepa-Wince
Rapid City Arts Council
605.394.4101 x5
marketing@thedahl.org