South Dakota Art Museum

09/02/2026

🎶 We’re looking back on a wonderful summer of music, art and community on Anderson Plaza—and taking a moment to thank the generous sponsors who helped make it possible.

A special thank you to Lynn and Diane Anderson, who established Anderson Plaza in memory of their daughter, Brooke, and continue their support as premier sponsors of the Anderson Plaza Summer Performance Series. 💛

We’re also grateful to Travel South Dakota, Jack Stengel, Pat and Dave Meyer, and the Brookings Beacon for their generous support. And thank you to Bienvenidos a Brookings for providing SDSU ice cream for our guests to enjoy! 🍦

Thank you to our sponsors, performers and everyone who joined us for another memorable summer on Anderson Plaza. 🎶

Thank you to our sponsors, performers and everyone who joined us for another summer of music, art and community. 💛

08/29/2026

Craft, culture, and timeless design. ✨

Discover handcrafted ceramics by Thomas and Sarah Gelsanliter of One Acre Ceramics, whose work blends history, global inspiration, and masterful artistry.

Find their beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces in the South Dakota Art Museum Shop.

08/28/2026

We are honored to partner with the LIGHT Project and Emily's Hope to bring Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories – South Dakota to the South Dakota Art Museum beginning February 1, 2027.

Submissions are now open for South Dakota.

Families and loved ones are invited to share the story and photograph of a South Dakotan lost to substance use disorder. Selected individuals will be honored through an original hand-drawn portrait and personal narrative as part of this powerful exhibition.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with someone who may wish to participate.

Learn more about the project and the South Dakota exhibition in this NewsCenter1 story.

30 hand-sketched portraits of South Dakotans lost to addiction are planned as part of an exhibit coming to Brookings

08/28/2026

A big thank you to our four incredible summer interns! 💙

We’re so grateful for the talent, creativity, hard work and fresh energy they brought to the South Dakota Art Museum this summer. From behind-the-scenes projects to connecting with our visitors and community, each made a meaningful contribution to the Museum.

We’re also grateful to the generous donors whose support makes our internship program possible. Your gifts provide valuable hands-on experiences for students while bringing new ideas, perspectives and energy to the Museum.

As summer gives way to a new school year, we’re wishing these four all the best in what comes next. Thank you for being part of our summer at the South Dakota Art Museum! 💙

08/24/2026

🐰 Welcome back, Jackrabbits! 💙💛

We’re excited to have campus buzzing again! Check out what’s coming up at the South Dakota Art Museum this fall, and make plans to join us.

Admission, parking and artmaking are always free.

Welcome back, Jacks! 💙💛

08/20/2026

08/15/2026

Copyist painting in the galleries! 🌳✨🎨

As part of the 18th Annual Plein Air Paint Out, hosted by the HARVEY DUNN SOCIETY, participating artists have a variety of opportunities to paint throughout the area—including copyist painting in our galleries.

One participating artist chose to paint from a work by Ada Caldwell, an artist and educator who taught Harvey Dunn.

We love seeing that connection between artists come full circle in our galleries! We’re proud to sponsor this annual celebration of art and artists.

08/13/2026

It's rally season, fair season and art season all at once! We have over 20 events to recommend for this weekend including our three top picks below: https://southdakotamagazine.com/calendar-of-events/

1. Turner County Fair — Our state’s oldest fair kicks off another year on August 17 in Parker. Visit their website for the full schedule, which includes a pie contest, lots of music, a carnival, petting zoo, and several interesting exhibits. Board member and longtime fair volunteer Dan Flyger says he will personally refund your entry fee if you don’t you get your money’s worth! (Also the fair is free).

2. “Flyover” exhibit — Our state’s cultural treasure, the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings, is hosting an exhibit featuring works by West River artists, friends and collaborators: Roger Broer, Bill Fleming, Dale Lamphere, Kenny Putnam, Susan Turnbull and Ray Tysdal. Once again, Dan will refund your money if you don’t enjoy yourself. (entrance is free).

3. Sturgis Rally — You don’t need to see our calendar of events to know it’s rally time West River. Click here for their calendar of events, and remember to watch for motorcycles! Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

08/13/2026

We’re excited to see America in Art featured in the August issue of 605 Magazine! ✨🎨

Take a peek inside the exhibition—and then come experience it for yourself at the South Dakota Art Museum.

Thank you, 605 Magazine, for the beautiful spotlight!

“Art has played an important role in shaping how America sees itself,” said South Dakota Art Museum director Donna Merkt. America in Art is an exhibition at the South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University in Brookings running through January 2, 2027. The exhibition explores the peop...

08/06/2026

Join us tomorrow evening from 5-6:30pm

Art + Live Music Eric Powell Holm + Refreshments