Pictured Above: "Golden Hour" by Judy Thompson
Rivers of the Plains
The Center for Western Studies is proud to present "Rivers of the Plains," an exhibition featuring 40 works by 27 artists inspired by the waterways that have shaped life across the Northern Plains.
Rivers have long been at the heart of this region, supporting Indigenous communities, guiding exploration, and influencing how people live, work, and create. The artworks in this exhibition range from landscapes to more personal reflections, all exploring themes of movement, memory, and change.
Presented in conjunction with the release of our newest publication, "The Missouri, America’s Longest River: A Cultural and Environmental History," the exhibition also reflects on the lasting impact of the Missouri River. Together, the book and exhibition offer two ways of engaging with the river’s story, through scholarship and artistic interpretation, and invite visitors to consider the roles these waterways continue to play in shaping the Plains today.
“Rivers of the Plains” will be on display from Thursday, March 19, through Friday, June 12, in the Madsen, Nelson and Elmen Galleries of the Center’s Fantle Building at 2121 S. Summit Avenue in Sioux Falls. An artist reception was held Thursday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
The CWS has several display cases throughout the galleries that exhibit materials on a variety of changing themes. The current exhibits are:
Veterans on Campus: A Legacy of Support at Augustana
From the earliest days of World War II to the complex legacy of Vietnam, Augustana’s students, staff, and administration showed a consistent and active respect for military veterans. Exploring mid-century policy and support networks, this exhibit by intern Calli Radel turns focus to those students who arrived on campus having already answered the call to serve. Their presence changed the institution. And Augustana, in turn, rose to meet their needs.
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.
Groton Rum Drum: A Revolutionary War Keepsake
With our Northern Plains focus, the Center for Western Studies has limited connections to the Revolutionary War. But America’s 250th anniversary is a unique opportunity to display the lone Revolutionary War artifact in the center’s collections: a rum ration barrel carried by Massachusetts soldier Joshua Parker. This display by intern Catherine Banson explores the Continental Army’s use of spirits, and the important role rum played in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The Sioux Falls AAUW: Expanding Women's Opportunities
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a national organization focused on advancing gender equity through education and advocacy. From 1923-2020, the Sioux Falls branch worked to expand women's and children's opportunities locally. Members provided support that helped elect the first women to the city's school board, helped establish the state's first mental health center, and advocated for the expansion of public school facilities, among other accomplishments. As we approach the America250 celebration in 2026, this exhibit by intern Erica Carmody explores the group's work advocating for community action on behalf of women and children.
The World Comes to Campus: A History of International Students at Augustana
During the 2024-25 academic year, international students made up 10% of Augustana's student body. Hailing from 54 countries, they are part of a long tradition stretching back to the university's first Norwegian student in 1946. In honor of America's 250th anniversary, and the ideals of freedom and self-determination, this exhibit by CWS intern Amanda Schlampp highlights the history of international students on campus.
