Last weekend, the South Dakota State Art Museum proudly hosted the highly anticipated opening reception for the Governor’s 11th Biennial Art Exhibition. This prestigious event, featuring an impressive collection of works from artists across South Dakota, celebrates the vibrant and diverse art scene within the state.
The exhibit showcases 62 unique works from 57 talented artists, including several local talents from the Brookings area. Open to all visual media created in the past three years, the exhibition provides a platform for artists statewide to express their creativity and connect with the community.
Curator Taylor Mckeown expressed excitement about the diversity present in the show, noting, “I think the strength of the show is the diversity of materials, techniques, and subject matter present in the selected works.” The Biennial is a juried event, inviting artists currently living and working in South Dakota to participate. A panel of representatives from each of the four exhibiting galleries and museums was responsible for selecting the pieces featured in the exhibition. Institutions involved included the South Dakota Art Museum, Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, John A. Day Gallery, and Dahl Arts Center.
Taylor Mckeown
The journey towards this exhibition began in October, when artists were invited to submit their works for review. Each participating institution designated a juror to evaluate the submissions, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives in the selection process. In total, 17 artists made the journey to Brookings for the opening reception, with some traveling from as far as Spearfish, South Dakota.
“We often hear from the participating artists that the Biennial offers them a rare opportunity to connect with each other,” Mckeown shared. “In our very wide state, such interactions are uncommon.” Attendees had the chance to mingle with the artists and museum staff, enjoying a selection of wines, snack plates, and other beverages, which enhanced the communal atmosphere.
Charlene Brown, a passionate artist and art teacher from Pierre, commented on the importance of events like these, stating, “Art is meant to be shared; I found that people are not very aware of art.” She emphasized the exhibition’s role in fostering art appreciation and awareness in the community.
The Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition was established in 2003. Despite its name, the exhibition is not directly tied to the current governor. It was named to signify the event’s significance and was not affected by the transition of power between Govs. Kristi Noem and Larry Rhoden during the curation process.
Kristi Noem
Traditionally, the Biennial begins its tour at the South Dakota Art Museum before traveling to other venues state-wide. This year is no different. The exhibit will remain at the museum until June 1, after which it will move to the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls starting June 10 through September 14. Following that, it will travel to the John A. Day Gallery at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion from October 29 to November 14, and finally, it will conclude at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City from December 13, 2025, to March 29, 2026.
To further engage the community, the South Dakota Art Museum plans to host virtual chats with featured artists in May. These sessions will provide the public with a chance to delve deeper into the stories and processes behind the remarkable artwork on display.
Erin Wohletz, an assistant professor of printmaking from the University of South Dakota, emphasized the exhibition’s importance, stating, “It’s a pleasure to have art displayed from all around the state. We are so spread out it’s nice to be reminded we have an art community.”
Through this exhibition, the South Dakota State Art Museum not only highlights the incredible talent found within the state but also underscores the significance of art as a unifying force. The Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition serves as a vibrant tapestry of creativity, connecting artists and communities across South Dakota and promoting a deeper appreciation for the arts.