Agee, Sheila artwork
What's Going On Here? Art to Inspire Conversation
June 14, 2025 - Nov. 2, 2025

"What鈥檚 Going on Here? Art to Inspire Conversation" invites viewers to slow down, look closely and engage deeply with art. Grounded in the visual thinking strategies method, the exhibition uses three simple questions to spark observation, reflection and dialogue.

Photographs are displayed on the walls of the South Dakota Art Museum for the exhibit, 鈥淥ver a Hundred Thousand Images Later 鈥 Dan Kane: A Retrospective.鈥
Over a Hundred Thousand Images Later: Dan Kane, a Retrospective
June 28, 2025 - Sept. 28, 2025

An analog photography exhibit that explores the male form as a landscape of shapes and contours in dialogue with South Dakota鈥檚 dramatic scenery.

Person viewing art in gallery
The Founding Gifts
March 29, 2025 - Sept. 21, 2025

The Founding Gifts exhibition honors the foundational contributions that shaped the museum, highlighting the generosity and efforts of individuals and organizations who laid the groundwork of the collection with works that hold relevance half a century after their donation.

Woman working on conserving art
Sharing the Care: Stories of Conservation Collaborations
Feb. 22, 2025 - June 15, 2025

This exhibition explores the vital work of art conservation 鈥 examining, documenting, treating and preventing the deterioration of artworks.

Artwork depicting swimmers
South Dakota Governor鈥檚 11th Biennial Art Exhibition
Feb. 8, 2025 - June 1, 2025

Biennial juried exhibition of some of South Dakota's best artworks and greatest artists. South Dakota Art Museum was the opening venue.

Paul Goble, "Remaking the Earth," watercolor, gouache and ink on paper, 1996, object ID: 2001.05.07C
Remaking the Earth: Illustrations by Paul Goble
Nov. 16, 2024 - April 6, 2025

Paul Goble illustrations from his book, "Remaking the Earth: A Creation Story from the Great Plains of North America."

Painting of buildings in the night
Tim Peterson: Illuminated Noir
Jan.11, 2025 - April 6, 2025

This exhibition displays works by Tim Peterson, inviting viewers into a world where light and shadow take center stage, offering a striking exploration of visual contrast.

James Star Comes Out (Ogl谩la Lakota), Anpewikin Kolawaya Yelo C鈥檃ngles鈥檏a K鈥檕gmaya Yelo (The Sun is My Friend鈥 I Adorn Myself with a Sacred Hoop...)  - SDAM
Creation.Story
Nov. 16, 2024 - March 15, 2025

"Creation.Story" engages audiences with O膷h茅thi 艩ak贸wi艐 oral traditions by incorporating the artwork of 18 Lakota and Dakota artists.

Ada Caldwell, Harney Peak
Her Art, Her Story: South Dakota Women Artists (1900-1950)
Sept. 28, 2024 - Jan. 18, 2025

This exhibition acknowledges the talent of and celebrates the contributions the artistic practices of several South Dakota women artists who lived and worked in the state in the early half of the twentieth century. These women shaped the creative landscape of South Dakota, having an impact far beyond the borders of the state.

Design by Stephen Henslin
Linger: Slow Looking with the Collection
Nov. 16, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024

This exhibition encourages views to slow down and take their time viewing the artwork on display.

Anila Quayyum Agha, "A Beautiful Despair," 2024, SDAM
Anila Quayyum Agha: Shadows and Splendor
July 27, 2024 - Nov. 3, 2024

Anila Quayyum Agha is internationally recognized for her award-winning, large-scale installations that use light, shadow and pattern to create immersive and shared experiences.

Harvey Dunn, The Prairie is My Garden
The Prairie is My Garden
May 25, 2024 - Sept. 15, 2024

The title of Harvey Dunn鈥檚 quintessential prairie painting, "The Prairie is My Garden," serves as a springboard for this exhibition which considers the human connection to the land that we now know as South Dakota.

Jeremy Kendall, "28th September," mixed media on panel. in "Navigating Narratives" at SDAM
Navigating Narratives: The Corps of Discovery in Titonwan Territory
May 4, 2024 - Sept. 1, 2024

An educational art exhibition from the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS) centered on the eight days in September 1804 when the Corps of Discovery traveled up the Missouri River through Titonwanian Territory. Curated by Dr. Craig Howe.

Michael Meilahn with "Bonanza Blue" blown glass corn spilling out of a basket
Primordial Shift: The Art of Michael Meilahn
April 13, 2024 - July 14, 2024

Experience this immersive exhibition of large-scale blown glass ears of corn by farmer and renowned glass artist, Michael Meilahn. Explore the intersection of science, agriculture and art!

Dick Termes, "Gargoyles of St Denis," 2005 acrylic on lexan sphere, Courtesy of the Artist. SDAM
Termespheres: Without Beginning or End
March 16, 2024 - July 14, 2024

Selections of Termespheres 庐 by South Dakota artist, Dick Termes.

Jessica Campbell, "Ares (Fear of Men)," 2021 collaged acrylic carpet  Courtesy of the Artist. SDAM
Moments of Is: Stuart Artist-in-Residence Alums
Feb. 17, 2024 - May 12, 2024

Featuring works by artists who have participated in the Stuart Artist in Residency (AiR) program at the 日本av视频 School of Design.

SDAM - David Shapiro  Mountain Suite: Near Albuquerque, n.d.  Lithograph
Heated: Art to Keep You Warm
Oct. 28, 2023 - April 21, 2024

Selections from the Collections to warm our hearts and souls.

Signe Stuart, Into Thin Air_2021_70x30 - SDAM
Signe Stuart: Events in Time and Space
Oct. 14, 2023 - March 30, 2024

Six decade retrospective of Signe Stuart's artworks.

SDAM, Ada Caldwell, 1977.03.02
Succession: Artists and Their Students from the Museum Collections
Sept. 30, 2023 - Jan. 27, 2024

Pairings of works by teachers and their students, including Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe and their students.

Gary Bigbear, "Creation Series #2," 2001, oil on canvas; South Dakota Art Museum 2002.06.01. Kay Cheever Memorial Gift .
Confluence: Selections from the Collections
June 10, 2023 - Oct. 22, 2023

Selections from the Collections including works by Harvey Dunn, Paul Goble and more.

Robert Lee Penn, The Sisters, 1988, oil on canvas. Courtesy of Chad Nielsen. 漏 Chad Nielsen. Image Courtesy Steve Babbitt. SDAM
Continuum: Honoring Oscar Howe's Legacy
June 10, 2023 - Sept. 17, 2023

South Dakota Art Museum curated exhibition of artworks by students of Oscar Howe and their students.

Oscar Howe, "Horses" casein on paper, 1963. South Dakota Art Museum Collection, 1971.1.4. 漏 Oscar Howe Family
Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe
June 10, 2023 - Sept. 17, 2023

The acclaimed retrospective celebrating the lifeworks of Yanktonai Dakota artist Oscar Howe (1915-1983) culminates its national tour in Howe鈥檚 home state of South Dakota.

Paul Goble, "Remaking the Earth," watercolor, gouache and ink on paper, 1996, object ID: 2001.05.07C
Flocks and Flights: Paul Goble Illustrations of Birds
Dec. 3, 2022 - May 14, 2023

Paul Goble illustrations depicting birds.

Rita Tate, "Susie," soft pastel,2009, SDAM 2010.12.1, South Dakota Art Museum Guild Purchase
Guild Acquisitions
Jan. 14, 2023 - May 14, 2023

Works acquired with funds from the South Dakota Art Museum Guild.

SD Governor's 10th Biennial Art Exhibition catalog cover - SDAM
South Dakota Governor鈥檚 10th Biennial Art Exhibition
Feb. 11, 2023 - May 14, 2023

Biennial juried exhibition of some of South Dakota鈥檚 best artworks and greatest artists (South Dakota Art Museum is the opening venue).

Hubert Mathieu, "Christy"
Pose | Repose: Figurative Works from the Collections
Dec. 19, 2022 - April 16, 2023

Figurative works from the Permanent Collections.

Jennie Ghost Bear (Oglala Lakota), untitled, glass beads, sinew, chamois leather,1928, SDAM 1985.01.60, Gift of Rev. and Mrs. Frank M. Thorburn
The Buechel and Thorburn Collections
Jan. 14, 2023 - April 16, 2023

Buechel and Thorburn Collection works.

SDAM "When Trees Dream" exhibition
When Trees Dream
August 20, 2022 - Jan. 21, 2023

Curated by Rina Yoon and John Schuerman.

RaVae Luckhart, "Celebration" SDAM 2014.01
Linger: Slow Looking with the Collection
April 9, 2022 - Dec 23, 2022

Works by Fundingsland, Henning, the Laymen鈥檚 Guild of the Church of Jesus, Rosebud, Luckhart, Bob H. Miller, Paolozzi and Wilke encourage us to linger.

Harvey Dunn, The Visit, n.d.
Harvey Dunn: Images of Family and Home
July 9, 2022 - Dec. 13, 2022

This exhibition features Harvey Dunn's depictions of family and home in their various forms.

Oscar Howe, "Eagle Dancer," casein on paper, 1953-1957 South Dakota Art Museum Collection, 1980.05.02 Transfer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs 漏 Oscar Howe Family
Explore: Selections from the South Dakota Art Museum Collections
May 7, 2022 - Dec. 1, 2022

Discover old friends and new favorites as you peruse selections from the Museum's permanent collections.

Paul Goble illustration from "The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses" 1995.01.004J
Making Relatives: Illustrations by Paul Goble
August 1, 2022 - Dec. 1, 2022

Paul Goble illustrations depicting family.

The Gift logo - CAIRNS exhibition at SDAM
The Gift
April 1, 2022 - July 31, 2022

Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies exhibit based on a traditional Lakotan narrative about White Buffalo Woman's gift of a sacred pipe to the Itazipco Oyate.

Paul Goble Illustration from "The Legend of the White Buffalo Woman" watercolor on paper, 1998 Collection of the South Dakota Art Museum, 2001.05.02L. Gift of Paul and Janet Goble
The Legend of the White Buffalo Woman: Illustrations of Paul Goble
April 1, 2021 - July 27, 2022

Paul Goble illustrations from "The Legend of the White Buffalo Woman."

Charles Greener, Thunderhead
Come Closer: Small Works from the Collection
April 9, 2022 - July 27, 2022

A selection of smaller artworks from the permanent collection.

Harvey Dunn, untitled (Lost in Desert, vultures gathering), oil on canvas, 1935 South Dakota Art Museum 2008.03.1
Harvey Dunn: Decades
Oct. 30, 2021 - July 3, 2022

Drawn from the collection of the South Dakota Art Museum, Harvey Dunn: Decades shares a chronological selection of 4-5 works from all five decades of Harvey Dunn鈥檚 career.

Gallery view of "Warriors" by Jerry Fogg
Jerry Fogg | 11 Degrees of Tatanka: Native Soul Art
Nov. 24, 2021 - April 16, 2022

A selection of works in this show, "11 Degrees of Tatanka," was created by the artist to honor the American bison, or buffalo, who, through the sacrifice of his body has sustained the body and spirit of generations of Oceti Sakowin people.

Paul Goble, illustration from "Lone Bull's Horse Raid," 1973; Watercolor and ink painting of a horse drinking from the river. South Dakota Art Museum 1995.01.002J
Arc of Life: Illustrations by Paul Goble
Nov. 24, 2021 - March 31, 2022

"Arc of Life" explores different phases of life captured in Paul Goble鈥檚 books and illustrations.

Alva Gene Dexhimer, "Cat Sand," paint on chipboard, 1982
Compelling Visions: Selections from the Willem and Diane Volkersz Contemporary Folk Art Collection at the Missoula Art Museum
Nov. 12, 2021 - March 12, 2022

"Compelling Visions: Selections from the Willem and Diane Volkersz Contemporary American Folk Art Collection" includes a selection of pieces that Willem and Diane donated to the Missoula Art Museum.

Willem Volkersz, "Canadian Hero," 1995, neon, wood, found objects
Willem Volkersz: The View from Here | A 25 Year Retrospective
Nov. 12, 2021 - March 12, 2022

The pieces contained in this show were produced over the past 25 years and draw upon the artist鈥檚 eight decades of life experience.

Paul Goble illustration from "The Gift of the Sacred Dog", South Dakota Art Museum 1995.01.006G
The Radiant Sun: Illustrations by Paul Goble
May 10, 2021 - Nov. 22, 2021

The sun is an important spiritual being in American Indian cosmologies. Revered by Plains Indians as a source of life and renewal, Goble鈥檚 suns and rays symbolize it鈥檚 power and importance as well as harmony and unity. This exhibition shares some of the illustrations in which Goble鈥檚 sun makes an appearance.

Martin Weinstein , "Trawden, Stormy Mornings," acrylic on multiple acrylic sheets, 2016
Martin Weinstein: Moment to Moment
June 23, 2021 - Nov. 7, 2021

Martin Weinstein鈥檚 paintings are created on layers of transparent acrylic sheets. A single work is composed of several distinct views of the same location painted days, months, even years apart.

Lowell Nesbitt, "Red Spotted Lady (from the Stamp Series)" silkscreen, 1981, South Dakota Art Museum 2013.05.281. Gift of Neil C. Cockerline in memory of Florence L. Cockerline
Lowell Nesbitt: Florals
June 12, 2021 - Oct. 24, 2021

This series of floral silkscreens by Lowell Nesbitt (1933鈥1993) are drawn from the South Dakota Art Museum鈥檚 Cockerline Collection of fine art prints from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Harvey Dunn: Cotton Candy Skies Exhibit featuring "Home"
All Dunn: The Complete Harvey Dunn Collection
August 17, 2020 - Oct. 24, 2021

They鈥檙e back! All the Dunns, 142 works, altogether in one gallery and on extended display in honor of our 50th anniversary.

Grete Bod酶gaard, "Badlands" weaving
Recent Acquisitions: 2016-2021
June 26, 2021 - Oct. 24, 2021

Artworks in this exhibition joined the museum's collection between 2016 and 2021. Although recently acquired their dates of creation range from c. 1899鈥2019.

(unknown) Oglala Sioux, moccasins
The Cathy and Ken Vogele Collection
August 17, 2020 - June 20, 2021

Stunning traditional American Indian artistry will be on display in this show of recent donations from Cathy and Ken Vogele.

South Dakota Governor's 9th biennial art exhibition
South Dakota Governor鈥檚 9th Biennial Art Exhibition
March 19, 2021 - June 13, 2021

This exhibition shares some of South Dakota鈥檚 best artworks and greatest artists at multiple exhibiting institutions across the state through the course of the one-year traveling show.

Peter Reichardt, "BOO!"
Past - Present: Recent Acquisitions in Abstraction
Aug. 17, 2020 - June 6, 2021

Recent acquisitions from current 日本av视频 faculty intermingle with past faculty. Works by former 日本av视频 students intermingle with works from past solo exhibition artists.

Paul Goble, illustration from "Death of the Iron Horse" (Native Americans on horses)
Into the Great Unknown: Illustrations by Paul Goble
August 17, 2020 - May 9, 2021

This selection of illustrations by Paul Goble features multiple stories of people setting out on difficult journeys into the unknown, and the leap of faith required to do so.

1975, Mel Spinar, "Hilton M. Briggs and Elmer H. Sexauer"
50 Works for 50 Years: Collections Retrospective
August 17, 2020 - March 13, 2021

In celebration of our 50th anniversary this collections retrospective will share acquisitions from each of the 50 years the South Dakota Art Museum has been in existence.

Harvey Dunn, The Return, oil on canvas, n.d.
Harvey Dunn: Imagining Others
August 13, 2019 - May 3, 2020

This exhibition celebrates Dunn鈥檚 desire to fully and deeply render truths about humanity.

Articles of a Treaty logo
Articles of a Treaty: An Educational Exhibit About the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty
Dec. 13, 2019 - March 13, 2020

This educational art exhibit from the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS) focuses on the articles of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty between the 鈥渄ifferent bands of the Sioux Nation of Indians鈥 and the United States.

Diana Behl, colorful abstract print
Abstraction: Eight South Dakotans
Feb. 8, 2020 - March 13, 2020

This exhibition celebrates the current practice of nonobjective abstraction in South Dakota through the works of eight of the state鈥檚 top artists.

Amir Fallah, "Offerings," stained glass, fused glass, custom LED light panel, custom
Amir Fallah: What It Means to be an American
Nov. 1, 2019 - Feb. 15, 2020

This is an installation of Amir Fallah鈥檚 stained and fused glass portrait of an immigrant, "Offerings," housed in a domestic structure. It features audio recordings of American immigrants talking about what being an American means to them.

Billie Grace Lynn: "White Elephants" - large white inflated elephants
Billie Grace Lynn: White Elephants
Nov. 1, 2019 - Feb. 15, 2020

This inflatable sculptural installation by Billie Grace Lynn features a grouping of three life-sized inflatable white elephants.

Airplane wing hanging above pile of metal (airplane wing ground up)
1 Roof 2 Airs
Sept. 28, 2019 - Jan. 25, 2020

Co-curated by John Schuerman and Katayoun Amjadi, 1 Roof 2 Airs shares the artwork of ten US-based artists with personal histories from countries experiencing conflict in the Greater Middle East.

Portrait Rug (Amanullah Khan)
Afghan War Rugs: The Modern Art of Central Asia
August 23, 2019 - Nov. 24, 2019

Co-curated by Dr. Annemarie Sawkins and Enrico Mascelloni, Afghan War Rugs: The Modern Art of Central Asia brings to the United States one of the most distinct collections of Afghan war rugs in the world.

Laura Heit: Two Ways Down
Laura Heit: Two Ways Down
May 18, 2019 - Oct. 20, 2019

"Two Ways Down" is an installation pairing projected animation with thrown shadows cast from rotating paper dioramas.

Laura Heit: The Deep Dark
Laura Heit: Films
May 18, 2019 - Oct. 20, 2019

Laura Heit employs stop-motion, live-action puppetry, hand drawing and computer animation in the selection of short films on view.

SD Nelson, Black Elk's Vision 2
S.D. Nelson: Sharing My Vision
May 3, 2019 - Sept. 15, 2019

"S.D. Nelson: Sharing My Vision" presents a selection of original artworks by this award-winning author and illustrator.

Paul Goble illustrations
A Life's Work: Paul Goble Illustrations of American Indian Stories
May 3, 2019 - Sept. 15, 2019

This traveling exhibit is a celebration of Goble鈥檚 life and career. The exhibit represents a small collection of his complete works but it provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy artworks from different books and from different stages of his career.

Harvey Dunn, Just a Few Drops of Rain
Harvey Dunn: Fences, Cows, Plows and Oxen
Feb. 16, 2019 - August 11, 2019

Present in nearly half of Dunn works in our collection, fences, cows, plows and oxen were a common feature of the subsistence lifestyle that South Dakota's settlers relied on in the pioneering era of Dunn's youth. This exhibition celebrates these prairie paintings and the roots of South Dakota's agricultural heritage.

Marjolein Dallinga (Canadian), Mature Tongue, felt, 2016.
Flourish: Marjolein Dallinga and Jantje Visscher
Feb. 26, 2019 - August 4, 2019

Jantje Visscher uses light energy as a drawing material, creating installations on the wall out of focused light and reflections. Marjolein Dallinga creates felted sculptures and wearable art of intricate pattern and rich texture and color. The drama of organic unfolding is alive in the works of both of these artists, and comes together in strikingly beautiful and surprising ways in this first ever joint exhibition.

Paul Goble, illustration from "Iktomi and the Buffalo Skull"
Topsy-Turvy Iktomi: Illustrations of Paul Goble
Jan. 4, 2019 - May 5, 2019

This exhibition features Paul Goble鈥檚 illustrations of Iktomi stories. Iktomi is the Lakota name for the American Indian trickster, who appears in the stories of peoples all over the North American continent. He is famous for getting into mischief, causing trouble and never learning the lessons handed out to him.

Wu Chien	Lem,	Filling What's Empty, 1978
Ripple Effects: Artworks from the Permanent Collection
Nov. 13, 2018 - May 5, 2019

These artworks from the South Dakota Art Museum Permanent Collection reflect elemental natural wave forms in their patterns and designs. More than just a design motif, many of these works speak to the spiritual qualities and connective potency of these forms and patterns.

South Dakota Governor鈥檚 8th Biennial Art Exhibition logo
South Dakota Governor鈥檚 8th Biennial Art Exhibition
Jan. 25, 2019 - April 18, 2019

The South Dakota Governor鈥檚 Biennial is designed 鈥渢o recognize and encourage South Dakota artists, to promote the artistic identity of South Dakota, to celebrate the cultural and artistic heritage and future of South Dakota, and to encourage a larger sense of community and connection across separate artistic communities within the state.鈥

Harvey Dunn, Oliver Staggered Over and Entered Major Worsley's Quarters, 1927.
Harvey Dunn: War Works
August 28, 2018 - Feb. 9, 2019

Nov. 11, 2018 marks the 100 year anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended combat in World War I. This exhibition commemorates the anniversary of the end of the war with a series of artworks created by celebrated South Dakota artist Harvey Dunn.

Keith BraveHeart, Wowicala Iciwayankapi
Takuwe
Nov. 6, 2018 - Feb. 6, 2019

The title for this exhibit from the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies is one Lakota word: "Takuwe." In English: "Why." The focus of the exhibit is the 1890 massacre of Lakotas at Wounded Knee, but it doesn鈥檛 begin or end with the killings. Its intent is to begin with positives and to close with a call to action.

Basket by Debora Muhl, Untitled #983, 1998. Sea grass, sinew, gourd, beads, 9.75" x 16" x 12"
Rooted, Revived and Reinvented: Basketry in America
Oct. 19, 2018 - Jan. 12, 2019

Curated by the National Basketry Organization in collaboration with the Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Missouri, ninety-three objects in this exhibition provide an historical overview of American basketry from its origins in Native American, immigrant and slave communities to its presence within the contemporary fine art world.

Paul Goble illustration from Buffalo Woman, 1995, Paul Goble illustration from Buffalo Woman, 1995
Heroes, Saviors and Triumphs: Illustrations by Paul Goble
June 2, 2018 - Dec. 30, 2018

This exhibition of Paul Goble illustrations features stories of triumph and the heroes鈥攂oth mortal and supernatural鈥攚ho save the day.

Harvey Dunn, The Liberator, oil on canvas, 1916
Harvey Dunn: Illustrations
June 4, 2018 - Nov. 4, 2018

This exhibition features illustrations by Harvey Dunn from the collection of the South Dakota Art Museum.

Cheong-ah Hwang, "Captain America", 2010, paper, 16鈥 h x 12鈥 w
My Hero! Contemporary Art and Superhero Action
June 12, 2018 - Oct. 2, 2018

This exhibition, organized by Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek, CA, presents a sprawling collection of international artworks in a variety of media that celebrates and re-envisions the lives of iconic superheroes.

Ada Caldwell, Colorado mountains
The Sea and the Land and the Sky: Harvey Dunn and Ada Caldwell
August 16, 2016 - Jan. 7, 2017

This exhibition celebrates two legendary figures with tremendous significance to this museum and its encompassing communities in the university, city and state.

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South Dakota Art Museum
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Brookings, SD 57007
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