Treasures from the CWS Fine Art Collection
The Center for Western Studies (CWS) invites you to explore "Treasures from the CWS Fine Art Collection," a special exhibition showcasing some of the most remarkable works from our fine art collection. Featuring celebrated artists like Oscar Howe, Jerry Fogg, JoAnn Bird and James Starkey, this exhibition highlights a variety of styles and stories from our region.
You’ll see works created in a range of mediums, including oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, and pencil drawings. This is a rare chance to view these stunning pieces, which are displayed only occasionally.
We’re also excited to feature newly acquired works by Bonnie Halsey-Dutton, Roger Broer and Linda Szabo, offering fresh perspectives and creativity to our growing collection.
“Treasures from the CWS Fine Art Collection” opened Oct. 15 and will run until Dec. 31. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Viewing hours are Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The exhibition is located in the Madsen, Nelson, and Elmen Galleries and first-floor hallways of the Center's Fantle Building at 2121 S. Summit Avenue in Sioux Falls. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy these incredible artworks before they’re returned to storage!
The CWS has several display cases throughout the galleries that exhibit materials on a variety of changing themes. The current exhibits are:
Artifacts and History of the Berdahl-Rölvaag House
The Berdahl-Rölvaag House, formerly located at Augustana’s Heritage Park, was the home of Andrew and Karen Berdahl. Several of their children attended Augustana Academy in Canton, including their daughter Jennie, who would later marry Norwegian-American author Ole. E. Rölvaag. In conjunction with the 2025 Dakota Conference on the settlement of the Northern Plains, and the bicentennial of Norwegian immigration to the U.S., the artifacts and photographs in this exhibit depict the life of a Norwegian immigrant family in South Dakota. The exhibit materials were curated by CWS intern Joshua Nichols from the collections of the former Heritage Park, now housed at the CWS.
Jennie Berdahl's Wedding Dress
Together with interpretive text by intern PattyJo English, the dress Jennie Berdahl wore when she married author Ole E. Rolvaag in 1908 is now on exhibit. Rolvaag and Berdahl met while students in the academy division of Augustana College in Canton, South Dakota, graduating in 1901 and 1903, respectively. Rolvaag continued his studies at St. Olaf College but maintained correspondence with Berdahl and proposed to her in 1903. For many years, the dress was displayed in the Berdahl-Rolvaag House, one of the buildings comprising Heritage Park, managed by the Nordland Heritage Foundation. The dress was one of several items CWS staff selected for transfer to the center’s collections when Heritage Park closed in 2022.
The Norwegian Royal Visit to Sioux Falls in 1939
On June 14, 1939, Crown Prince Olav, and his wife, Crown Princess Martha, of Norway visited Sioux Falls. Their visit was part of a 10-week tour of the U.S. to build goodwill, and to open the Norwegian exhibition at the World's Fair in New York. For local citizens, the royal visit was especially exciting, given the region's deep connections to Scandinavia. Detailing the events of that day, this exhibit in the east corner of the Nelson Gallery was created by CWS graduate intern Cody Schriever.
Roy Miller: The Journeys of a Barge Pilot
During a steamboat trip to the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, 11-year-old Roy Miller decided to become a barge pilot. He began learning under his uncle, famed steamboat pilot William "Steamboat Bill" Heckman, and after serving as an apprentice on the steamer Chester, was licensed in 1914. This display by intern Abby Mitchell explores Miller's 45-year career operating on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
The 1973 Energy Crisis on Augustana’s Campus
Following an OPEC-imposed oil embargo, a consequence of America’s support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War, the U.S. faced a major energy crisis in the winter of 1973-74. Facing energy shortages and spiking costs, Augustana established a task force to enact energy-saving measures across campus. Students lived with cold showers and darkened hallways, but remained engaged, hosting a 2-part symposium to discuss energy issues. This exhibit by CWS intern Joshua Nichols reveals the institutional experience of the crisis through yearbook and student newspaper coverage.