Past Exhibitions

2025

Just Having Pie
by John Peters
09.26.25 - 12.06.25
Sen. Adelstein & Lynda K. Clark Gallery

48 Years Ago, John Peters met an old man in a trench coat carrying a big bag. He had no idea who he was, other than his friend Carl's teacher, and his name was Hugh Kappel. They sat down and ordered apple pie and coffee. Hugh started talking about his friend Joseph Cornell, whom he met in New York City in the 1950s. He told story after story about Cornell’s life in New York and showed collages and postcards that were sent to him. They ordered more pie and a stack of abstract expressionist work. They ordered more pie, and John showed him a suitcase full of sculptures and box constructions. More pie. After seven hours of delightful conversation, all they kept having was pie and coffee. It was a profound boost for John’s spirit. The conversation, not the pie.

John Henry Peters is a mixed media sculptor. His use of diverse materials and process of construction creates the surreal intention of his work. The predominant characteristic of his work is scale.

Dahl Haus Art Auction
10.31.25 - 11.15.25
Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery
Auction Closes November 15 at 5pm

The auction, hosted virtually, will feature over 50 artworks by some of the region’s most prominent established and emerging artists. Bidding is online-only, running from Friday, November 7 at 6pm through Saturday, November 15 at 5pm. This auction and exhibit will be held in the Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery, offering a range of artworks in various sizes and mediums, with the format in which artists can decide how much of the sale to donate.

The roster of artists participating in the auction and exhibition includes Chris Johnson, Luke Gorder, Mark Paxton, Tim Peterson, Florence Addison, Susan Turnbull, Susan Turnbull, Tom Thorson, Michael Ramey, Deb Hayes Zimmerman, Haley Freidt, Tia Erin, Candace Forrette, Sandra Newman, Dennis Linn, Mary Wipf, Carol Hilgemann, Sophia Clarke, Sage Dausch, Matthew Whitehead, Emma Rivers, Ashlee Fears, Matthew Whitehead, Vincent Peterson, Michael Ramey, Bonnie Halsey-Dutton, Roger Broer, Danielle Bullock
Emma Rivers, Mark Zimmerman, Allen Morris, Darrel Nelson, Susan Drey, Maiki Ghost Bear, Gina Gibson, Michael Baum, Allen Morris, Quintin Owens, Nathaniel Ruleaux, J. Desy Schoenewies, Rede Ballard, Susan Stoddart, Tenyoh, Tom Thorson, Tia Erin, Mark Zimmerman, Deborah Mitchell, Dan Tackett, Dorothy Snowden, Barbara Sparks, Barbara Kieffer Rowe, and Hazel Schwenker.

Flower and Flame
Deborah Mitchell
09.12.25 - 11.15.25
Ruth Brennan Gallery

Flower and Flame by Rapid City artist Deborah Mitchell is a powerful body of work born from loss, resilience, and transformation after a devastating arson fire destroyed Mitchell’s studio in December of 2020. From charred fragments, melted glass, and fire-scorched heirlooms, Mitchell unearthed unexpected forms and reimagined them as art. This exhibition is an intimate journey where beauty emerges from devastation, and memory, material, and imagination fuse in striking, contemplative ways.

For more information on Deborah Mitchell, please visit her website: www.deborahmitchellartist.com

Northern Plains Watercolor Society
08.29.25 - 10.25.25
Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez
+ Milton Shaver Gallery

Artists of the Black Hills
06.20.25 - 09.20.25
Sen. Adelstein & Lynda K. Clark Gallery

This final exhibition marks the culminating chapter of the Artists of the Black Hills, a juried group of professional visual artists dedicated to celebrating and promoting the arts across the Black Hills region of South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska. For nearly two decades, this collective has fostered artistic excellence and regional pride. The exhibition features a compelling range of works—from traditional landscapes and sculpture to contemporary explorations in mixed media—each reflecting the creative spirit and cultural richness of the American West. As the group concludes its journey, this farewell show honors their lasting impact on the arts in our region.

Darrel Nelson
06.06.25 - 09.06.25
Ruth Brennan Gallery

Portals and Shrines: Seeing the World From Here is a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Darrel Nelson, on view in the Ruth Brennan Gallery at the Dahl Arts Center from June 6 through September 6, 2025. Nelson’s work fuses handcrafted wood forms, natural elements, and symbolic references into surreal assemblages that feel both ancient and futuristic. With titles like Featherweight, Geoscope, and Cerebreliquary, each piece invites viewers into a space of wonder, reflection, and curiosity. These sculptural works transform everyday materials into evocative objects that spark internal dialogue and ask us to see the world—and ourselves—from new perspectives.

Permanent Impressions
06.06.25 - 08.23.25
Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery

This fresh installation of the Rapid City Arts Council’s Permanent Collection showcases a dynamic selection of regional and contemporary artworks that reflect the cultural identity and creative spirit of our community. Featuring both longstanding favorites and recent acquisitions, the exhibition offers a broad view of the artists who have shaped—and continue to shape—the visual landscape of the Black Hills and beyond.

Visitors are invited to explore the depth and diversity of the collection, which represents a wide range of media, styles, and voices. Whether discovering a piece for the first time or reconnecting with a familiar work, this exhibition celebrates the RCAC’s ongoing commitment to preserving and presenting meaningful art for the public.

Art Out Loud: Black Hills Center for Equality
06.27.25 - 07.12.25
Pride Pop Up Exhibition

In partnership with Black Hills Center for Equality. Queer artists of the Black Hills have created beautiful artwork displayed in the lobby of the Dahl Arts Center!

BHSU Senior Exhibition
05.02.25 - 06.13.25
Sen. Adelstein & Lynda K. Clark Gallery

This annual capstone show features work by BHSU seniors graduating in May or December 2025 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. The exhibit showcases a variety of media and techniques, including ceramics, photography, painting, textiles, and screen printing. Each piece represents a visual narrative developed by the student, demonstrating their growth as artists and educators.

Desy Schoenewies, a professor at BHSU, reflects on the artistic talent coming out of BHSU, “Over the years, we have witnessed our students' remarkable growth in creativity, ingenuity, and artistic proficiency. Through our rigorous curriculum, mentorship, and access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, students have been empowered to push the boundaries of their creativity and explore new artistic horizons.” She says, “The BHSU fine art student exhibition stands as a proof to their commitment to their craft and their endless potential as artists.”

This exhibit is generously sponsored by the BHSU College of Liberal Arts Fund and the BHSU Photography Program.

Best of the West Art Show
05.09.25 - 05.31.25
Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery

This juried showcase features outstanding artwork from students at Central, St. Thomas More, Rapid City High, and Douglas High School. The selected works span a variety of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, printmaking, and drawing.

Best of the West continues to be a platform for young artists in our community to share their creative voices and be recognized for their artistic excellence.

Reflect
03.13.25 - 05.03.25
Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery

Reflect is a new community photography competition and exhibition that invited photographers to explore the concept of reflection in creative and thought-provoking ways. Inspired by the Latin word "Reflectere," meaning "to bend back," this juried exhibition encourages submissions that capture the literal and metaphorical essence of reflection—whether through shimmering water, mirrored glass, or introspective themes of identity, growth, and community. Open to photographers of all skill levels.

With distinct categories for Youth, Adult Amateur/Hobbyist, and Adult Experienced/Professional photographers, Reflect offers cash prizes, including a $125 Best of Show Award and a $100 People’s Choice Award. Don’t miss this chance to share your unique perspective and be part of Rapid City’s vibrant photography community!

Metamorphosis
03.07.25 - 05.31.25
Ruth Brennan Gallery

The Metamorphosis Exhibition showcases 15 murals created by students in JSC and the juvenile diversion program as part of the Just Us Mural Project (JUMP). Supported by a U.S. Department of Justice grant, this initiative empowers justice-involved youth through culturally relevant arts education.

With the freedom of expression, youth from Rapid City have been collaborating on murals both on canvas and in Art Alley. These students have been building artistic skills, processing trauma, and developing compassion for their past to dream of their future. On display from March 7 through May 31, the exhibition highlights the transformative power of art in creating resilience and fostering positive change.

Wayfinder: A Big Read Exhibition
01.24.25 - 04.26.25
Sen. Adelstein & Lynda K. Clark Gallery

Wayfinder is a compelling exhibition at the Dahl Arts Center, presented by the Rapid City Arts Council & Big Read Rapid City. Inspired by Andrew Krivak’s novel, The Bear, the exhibit explores the themes of navigation, guidance, and the universal quest for meaning. It celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the profound connection between humanity and nature, and the shared journey of finding one’s path in an ever-changing world.

Through The Lens
Eunice Straight Head
12.13.24 - 03.01.25
Ruth Brennan Gallery

This exhibition of photographs, guest curated by Eunice Straight Head aims to showcase the resilience, identity, and vibrant spirit of the Oceti Sakowin community. Each photograph serves as a testament to how traditions are honored while navigating the complexities of modern life.

This exhibition opens on December 13, 2024 in the Ruth Brennan Gallery and will be on display until March 1, 2025.

Say It Loud
12.06.24 - 03.07.25
Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery

Say it Loud is an exhibition highlighting the contributions of women and people of color in South Dakota's design and construction industries. This exhibition is an extension of an international movement dedicated to sharing, preserving, and celebrating the stories of underrepresented individuals, inspiring future generations to follow their path.

This exhibition opens in the Denise Du Broy Gallery & Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery on December 6, 2024 and will run until March 7, 2025.

To Be Seen
12.13.24 - 1.18.25
Pop-Up Exhibition

The Pop-Up show, To Be Seen, showcases the artisty of Sage Marshall Dausch. This Pop-Up Exhibition will be open from December 13, 2024 to January 18, 2025 in the Lobby of the Dahl.

The exhibition explores themes of transformation, identity, and connection. Sage’s art serves as an outlet for personal expression and storytelling, aiming to resonate with viewers who see parts of themselves reflected in his work. Influenced by fantasy, video games, and daily life, his pieces incorporate diverse mediums such as screen-printing, digital programs, painting, and three-dimensional forms.

The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences.

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