The Center for Western Studies at Augustana University is excited to announce the 43rd Annual Artists of the Plains Show & Sale will be held Oct. 25-27, 2024, at the Dahl Arts Center in downtown Rapid City. In collaboration with the Dahl Arts Center and Prairie Edge, we are thrilled to move this year's show West River, where it began in 1979, and where we anticipate a warm welcome from today's vibrant arts community.
To be considered for the 2024 show, complete the artist questionnaire by Aug. 31, 2024.
As a signature program of the Center for Western Studies, this show and sale is designed to educate the public about the cultural importance and variety of regional art and artists. The largest and longest running show of its kind in the region, Artists of the Plains is an annual highlight of the Center’s Art Program and Educational Exhibits, one of several programming areas supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The event is a gift to the artists and collectors of the Northern Plains.
The show is a gift from the Center for Western Studies and its supporters to the artists and collectors of the Northern Plains. All staff time to prepare, market and conduct the show is underwritten by the Center's operations budget and endowment. The Center does not take a commission on any artist's sales.
The Center for Western Studies offers cash awards in the following categories: Two-Dimensional Best of Show ($200 first place and $100 second place) and Three-Dimensional Best of Show ($200 first place and $100 second place).
Our patrons expect a variety of high quality artwork at this show. Artists are asked to have a minimum of five original works for show and sale.