“.  .  .  . best show so far!”

The recurring comment of those attending the recent Short Grass Arts Council’s Ninth Annual Art Show was that this truly was the best show so far.  Every year, the show is evaluated and comments made by viewers are taken to heart, resulting in a show that continues to become more polished and more professional.  This year, although not as many artists showed their work, the viewers appreciated the spacious look to the show.  Fifty-four artists including twenty-five Riggs High School students displayed their artwork.  The variety of media submitted made for a colorful and exciting show. 

A voting ballot and pencil were offered to the nearly two hundred visitors, with encouragement to vote for their favorite piece of art in each category.  The voting is such an important part of this annual art show and SGAC sincerely thanks the viewers who took the time to thoughtfully pick their favorites.  The artist who created the piece garnering the most votes is not only singled out but is also awarded a blue ribbon, a letter of congratulations, and a cash stipend.  Voting also helps viewers really slow down and assess just what it is that attracts them to a piece of art. 

Viewers Choice winners in the Adult categories:

• Beading – Julie Pirnat (Red Panda bag)
• Photography – Deborah Eich (“Griffith Park”)
• Drawing – Roberta Williams (“Lively Dancers”)
• Painting – Louis Still Smoking (“Pomegranate”)
• Watercolor – Roberta Williams (“Tranquility”;
• Stained glass – Annette Hinker (“Luna Moth”)
• Mosaic – Julie Pirnat (“Dragon flies & Waterlilies”)
• Basketry – Ann Rohlf (“That Darn Basket”); Painted objects – Virginia Barnes (Deer clock)
• Woodcarving – Chuck Atkins (Greenwinged Teal)
• Mixed media – Janet Judson (“Tribute to Monet”); Fabric art – Ann Sines (“Taos”)
• Printmaking – Carrie Ward (“Garden Flowers”)   

Viewers Choice winners in the Student categories:

• Drawing – Courtney Martin (“Untitled”)
• Pastel – Terra Burley (“India’s Tears”)
• Painting – Macy Hunsley (“Untitled”); Photography – Brian Donahue (“Full Sun”)
• Pottery – Alex Malfero (Pop art vase); Sculpture – Devin Clausen (“Be who you are….”)
• Mixed media – Cherokee Durant (Black Hawk leather bowl)

Short Grass Arts Council’s annual art show is gaining a reputation for the place to come to buy original art.  This year twelve fine pieces were sold, much to the delight of the artists and to the new owners.  If you are a South Dakota artist, consider sharing your talents with us.  If you are a person who appreciates fresh, exciting new art, do plan to come to our next art show.  Thank you to all of the wonderful artists who offered their art for showing this year.  And thank you to all of the viewers and voters.  Without each of you the show couldn’t go on. 

See a slide show of the exhibt and visitors

For information about next year’s show, please contact Carol Schneiderhan at 605-567-3562 (local from Pierre area), P.O.Box 1060, Ft. Pierre, 57532, email at dan46@gwtc.net.