This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.
From impressive regional artists to an immersive exhibit for all ages, this winter is filled with limited-time exhibitions at the Washington Pavilion.
The Visual Arts Center has a number of new exhibitions, making it an ideal time to escape the cold and surround yourself with art.
“The VAC is a great place to visit this winter,” lead curator Jana Anderson said.
“We are currently showcasing local, regional and national artists, as well as a traveling exhibition for children. There is a lot of variety in the galleries so definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Along with the Raven Children’s Studio, many of the galleries have interactive activities related to the artwork on the walls for kids and adults alike to enjoy.”
Here’s a look at what’s waiting.
Heartland Horizons
Now open in the Bates Trimble Gallery, “Heartland Horizons” showcases 30 talented artists from across the region. The exhibition explores the rich and dynamic essence of the heartland — not just as a geographic region but as a blend of values, traditions and stories that define its spirit.
Through an open call for art, the VAC connected with diverse artists whose works reflect the landscapes, people, history and aspirations of this region.
With more than 90 submissions, this exhibition showcases the amazing talents of local creators as well as artists from nearby states like Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois and Minnesota.
“What stands out about this exhibition is seeing the work of 30 different artists in the same space and how they all interpret the heartland differently,” Anderson said.
“This region that we live in means different things to different people, and these artists are speaking to that theme in their own ways.”
Featured regional artists include:
- Roberta Barnes
- Susan Bell
- Michael Brown
- Keith Buswell
- Sarah Peak Convery
- Judy DeBoer
- Rodger Ellingson
- Alexa Ensz
- Rachel Funk
- Carol Geu
- Megan Hammer
- Pat Hansen
- Susan Haygood
- Russell Horton
- Janice Johnson
- Jeanette Johnson
- Karen Kinder
- Epiphany Knedler
- Greg Latza
- Curt Lund
- Christine May
- Sarah Mulder
- Phyllis Packard
- Aaron Packard
- Audrey Powles
- Gary Steinley
- Susan Thelen
- Judy Thompson
- E Wieser
- Jean Zaldivar
The exhibition will be open for visitors through May 27.
Jason Chin: Your Place in the Universe
Spark your child’s imagination and curiosity with the Visual Arts Center’s latest family-focused exhibition – a vibrant traveling exhibit, now open in the University and Shultz Galleries.
“Jason Chin: Your Place in the Universe” is designed with kids in mind. Featuring breathtaking artwork displayed at children’s eye level and inviting nooks for reading scattered throughout, the space offers a fun and welcoming environment for young art enthusiasts and their families.
With a love for scientific wonders, Chin has illuminated the mysteries of coral reefs, redwood trees, the Galapagos Islands, gravity and the elemental particles that make us who we are. In this exhibition, Chin’s artwork follows his curiosities to the depths of the earth and the farthest reaches of our galaxy!
“Children’s books in general are full of wonderful stories, but they are also full of art,” Anderson said.
“Jason Chin is an incredible illustrator, so this show was a great chance to celebrate his original works of art that live on in his books.”
Chin, an award-winning children’s author and illustrator, is celebrated for his engaging and scientifically rich works that explore everything from coral reefs to the cosmos. “Your Place in the Universe” invites young minds to journey alongside Chin’s art, from the towering redwoods to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. Through his detailed illustrations and captivating storytelling, Chin makes complex topics approachable and inspires a lifelong love for discovery.
This hands-on, traveling exhibition is here for a limited time and was organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas. It’s perfect for families, school groups and aspiring young artists.
“This show has also allowed us to have a natural partnership with Siouxland Libraries for story times, watercolor classes and encouraging the general public to sign up for library cards,” Anderson said.
Don’t miss this opportunity to nurture your child’s creativity and curiosity while exploring the wonders of the world through Jason Chin’s eyes now through Feb. 21.
Just Having Pie: A Retrospective by John Henry Peters
A life-changing experience almost 50 years ago led local artist John Henry Peters to create the retrospective “Just Having Pie.”
In a small cafe, he spent seven hours with the artist Hugh Kappel, sharing deep conversations about art while enjoying slices of apple pie.
That unforgettable exchange shaped Peters’ perspective on creativity and the power of dialogue. His works reflect the essence of that moment, inviting viewers to explore the transformative potential of connection and inspiration.
Peters is from Sioux Falls and is a mixed-media sculptor who finds inspiration in musicians, artists and all forms of expression, in addition to the history of our planet, development of species, human existence and the impact of scientists, philosophers, inventors, writers and builders.
“This retrospective exhibition for John Peters is a celebration of his life’s work as an artist,” Anderson said, adding that there is artwork in this show representing 50 years of creative work.
“Visitors will be inspired and delighted by the detail in his artwork as well as the exploration of scale from the very big to the very small,” she said.
“We’ve seen visitors of all ages engage with his work and explore the space. It made sense to have this exhibition to celebrate John Peters as he has been active in the Sioux Falls arts community for many years. He has influenced many young artists as a professor at Augustana as well.”
“Just Having Pie” will be open for visitors through June 8.
Symphōnía: Artwork by Mollie Hosmer-Dillard
This beautiful show of mixed-media paintings just opened and explores nature and organic motion, featuring the large-scale, layered paintings of Mollie Hosmer-Dillard.
“Though my bodies of work are varied, they all involve abstraction derived from experimentation,” she said. “Using nontraditional processes and materials, I work till I uncover an internal logic within them, an emergent beauty and integrity within a cast of changing characters.”
The paintings on view make use of laser cutters, silk-screen procedures, textiles techniques, hand-ground ink and thinned oil paint to arrive at images that emerge from a way of working rather than from a predetermined idea.
“She uses abstraction to explore the feeling of forests and the surface of water,” Anderson said.
“Her large-scale paintings are consuming in the best way in the cold of winter. Let these paintings warm you up and make you think of spring.”
This exhibition is available for visitors through July 5.
Visit soon
The Washington Pavilion’s Visual Arts Center, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is dedicated to building, preserving and conserving its collections for both South Dakotans and worldwide audiences. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.