The South Dakota State Art Museum recently unveiled the Governor’s 11th Biennial Art Exhibition, a celebrated event that highlights the rich tapestry of creativity found across the state. The opening reception, held last weekend, gathered 17 participating artists from diverse corners of South Dakota, including the distant town of Spearfish. This juried exhibition features 62 remarkable works from 57 artists, many of whom are native to Brookings, and showcases visual media created within the last three years.
The event is a rare opportunity for South Dakotan artists who, due to the state’s vast geographical spread, seldom have the chance to connect on such a platform. Taylor Mckeown, the exhibit curator and the art museum’s juror, noted, “I think the strength of the show is the diversity of materials, techniques, and subject matter present in the selected works.”
Taylor Mckeown
South Dakota has long been known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities, and this exhibition beautifully captures that essence. The Biennial, first launched in 2003, starts its journey at the South Dakota Art Museum and tours throughout the state, fostering a sense of unity and celebration of local artistry. After its run in Brookings until June 1, the exhibition will travel to The Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, followed by a stop at the John A. Day Gallery at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and will conclude at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City by March 2026.
This year’s biennial is free from political symbolism despite its official name, “Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition,” which remains unchanged since its establishment to signify the event’s significance.
Charlene Brown, an artist and art teacher from Pierre, expressed the educational and communal benefits of the event, saying, “Art is meant to be shared; I found that people are not very aware of art.” Such sentiments echo throughout the halls as artists and attendees mingle, converse, and enjoy refreshments provided by the museum.
Kristi Noem
The selection process for the artwork involved submissions reviewed in October by a distinguished panel from the participating institutions: the South Dakota Art Museum, the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, the John A. Day Gallery, and the Dahl Arts Center. Each facility appointed a juror, leading to a diverse array of art that encapsulates the state’s multifaceted artistic community.
The art on display is not only diverse in medium and style but also presents a platform for dialogue and learning. In May, the museum will host virtual chats with the featured artists, providing an avenue for deeper community engagement and insight into the creative processes behind the pieces.
“It’s a pleasure to have art displayed from all around the state,” said Erin Wohletz, an assistant professor of printmaking at the University of South Dakota. “We are so spread out it’s nice to be reminded we have an art community.” The event is indeed a significant testament to the artistic spirit thriving within South Dakota, a state known for its rich heritage and cultural dynamism.
For those interested in learning more, the exhibit catalog is available for perusal, offering details on the artists and the inspirations behind their works. This profound celebration of South Dakota’s art scene not only elevates the profile of local artists but also enriches cultural appreciation statewide.
As the Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition continues its statewide tour, South Dakotans and visitors alike are encouraged to immerse themselves in this vivid artistic journey that unites creativity and community across the beautiful expanse of the state.