South Dakota invites visitors to pack their bags and get creative in this destination that’s ‘unbelievable, undeniable and all inspirable’, all at the same time.
The artistic side of South Dakota sparks the imagination and awakens creativity. “Come open your senses to all that enriches you and discover why art is more than a picture on the wall,” says Travel South Dakota.
Here are just a few highlights of the thriving state’s arts and culture scene …
DIGNITY OF EARTH AND SKY
The Dignity statue is a stunning combination of art and history. Located on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on I-90 near Chamberlain, SD, the stainless steel, 50-foot-tall statue was designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honour the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. Day or night, Dignity is a must-stop for those traveling on I-90 or the Native American Scenic Byway.
KOKOMO GALLERY
The John Lopez Gallery is an art gallery located on Main Street in Lemmon in northwestern South Dakota. The Kokomo Gallery houses the artwork of sculptor John Lopez, who specializes in welded sculpture art. Within the gallery, visitors have a real life experience of John’s sculptures captured in a single space. The gallery is open May 1 – Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. (Reservations may be made by email.)
TERRY REDLIN ART CENTER
The Redlin Art Center is a gift from Terry Redlin to his hometown of Watertown. It is his way of thanking the state for a scholarship he received after a brief ride on a motorcycle resulted in a life-changing injury. Terry Redlin captures on canvas images of nature and small town America. Enjoy more than 160 original oil paintings, shop three exclusive gift shops or stroll the 30-acre Conservation Park. The Redlin Art Center is open year-round. Hours change seasonally. Admission is free.
ARC OF DREAMS
A Tribute to the Dreamers – the Arc of Dreams – is a massive stainless steel sculpture that spans the Big Sioux River in downtown Sioux Falls. Located between 6th and 8th Streets, the sculpture is nearly the length of a football field. At the centre of the Arc of Dreams is an 18-foot gap, 70 feet above the river, representing the leap of faith dreamers take to see their dreams come true. Part of SculptureWalk, the Arc of Dreams is a signature piece of art for the city of Sioux Falls. There is no admission charged to visit the Arc of Dreams.
For more info and travel tips for South Dakota see TravelSouthDakota.com.
