CALL FOR ART
Submit by April 17, 2026

Best of the West
May 15 - July 18
​Opening Reception: May 15 | 5-7pm

The Best of the West Exhibition aims to celebrate the diverse and creative talents of high school artists from our region, providing them with a platform to showcase their work in a professional gallery setting.

The Best of the West exhibition offers an opportunity for high school students to submit their 2D and 3D artworks for display at the Dahl Arts Center. Awards are presented to recognize outstanding work, fostering a competitive and professional experience for young artists. 

​Program Values 

• Creativity: Encourage students to explore their unique voice and vision.
• Excellence: Maintain high standards for artistic quality and presentation.
• Fairness: Ensure equitable participation and representation across schools.

Awards Categories: 

• Best of Show 
• First, Second, and Third Place in 2D and 3D categories 
• Honorable Mentions 

Jurors will evaluate artworks based on creativity, originality, and quality.

Timeline
Digital Submission Deadline: April 17
Artwork Drop off: April 27 - May 1
Exhibition Dates: May 15 - July 18
Awards Ceremony: May 15th at 6pm
Artwork will be available for pickup after July 20th. 

read full prospectus

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Submission Process

Complete the Online Application
You will need to provide:

• Contact information
• Parental/guardian consent
• School and grade level
• Artwork details: Title, medium/materials, dimensions (height x width), and price (if you wish to sell your work).

Email a Photo of Your Art
​Email high-quality photographs of your submitted artwork to [email protected].
​
Subject Line: Must be formatted as: BOTW 26- [Your Last Name].

best of the west application

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Submission Guidelines

Each student is responsible for their own submission.

• Eligibility: Open to all high school students (9-12 Grade) as well as homeschool students currently residing in the following Western South Dakota Counties: Butte, Meade, Pennington, Lawrence, Custer, Oglala, and Fall River. 
• Artwork Requirements:
  • Exemplifies an original creative act
  • Artists may submit up to three (3) original works.
  • Must have been created during the 2025-2026 school year.​

Matting and Framing: 

• If the artwork has a backing, foam core, or Masonite, a mat is not required.
• Artwork must be secured to a backing board. No hot glue or duct tape is permitted. 
• Matted work is still encouraged, but if backing is applied, it is not required.

Hanging Requirements: 

• Only plastic sawtooth hangers or wire hanging systems are acceptable.
• Sawtooth hangers must be centered at least 2” down from the top of the piece, without showing from the top of the artwork or mat. 

2D Size Limitations: 

• Maximum framed size: 48” x 72”. 
• We encourage large-scale artworks, but space is limited. Final decisions are made by the RCAC curatorial staff. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions about the scale of the artwork. 

3D Artwork 

• Maximum dimensions: 48” x 50” x 48”.
• Include two or three high-quality photographs showing different angles of the 3D piece.
  

Safety and Transport: 

• Pieces must be transportable and safe for display.
• Drop Zones for selected artworks are established throughout the Black Hills. 
• Please contact us if you need to make special arrangements.

Original Creativity: Artwork must be original ideas and not replications of another artist’s work.
Logistics: All works must be submitted in compliance with the guidelines to ensure safe transport and exhibition. ​

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Drop Off Selected Artwork

If possible, please drop off artwork directly to the Dahl Arts Center.

Dahl Arts Center
713 7th St., Rapid City, SD 57701
Hours are: Monday- Saturday: 10-5
www.thedahl.org

Matthew's Opera House
612 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783
Hours are: Monday-Friday: 10-5 | Saturday: 10-3
www.matthewsopera.com/

Art House Hot Springs
405 N River St., Hot Springs, SD 57747
Hours are: Thursday - Saturday 12-5​ | Sunday 11-www.arthouseblackhills.com/exhibitions

Mahpiya Luta- Heritage Center
100 Mission Drive, Pine Ridge, South Dakota 57770
Hours are: Monday- Friday 10 – 5
heritagecenter.mahpiyaluta.org/about/contact-hours/

CUSTER COUNTY DROP ZONE FORTHCOMING

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2025 Best of the West Exhibition

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The Best of the West Exhibition gives high school students the chance to display their talents while fostering a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and respect. By participating, students contribute to a celebration of art that reflects creativity, inclusivity, and integrity. Thank you for joining us in this journey to highlight the artistic excellence in our community!