Gallery Glimpse: Jana Anderson
By Jana Anderson
Artist & Associate
Piper Arts
The Sioux Falls art scene is a growing and constantly changing entity. I’ve lived in Sioux Falls on and off throughout the last decade, and, every time I return home, a new mural catches my eye, a new gallery project has popped up, another project has faded away and talented artists continue to dedicate themselves to their studio practices.
This growth and change is evidence of the vibrancy that exists in this community, but at times it might seem quiet or go under the radar, especially in the past year when art openings and exhibitions were put on pause for the safety of our community. Truth be told, the artists of this community never pushed pause on creating, and summer of 2021 is gearing up to show the evidence of that exciting creative work.
Spaces to view visual art exist in both the expected and unexpected places and in both the public and private sphere. Galleries are the location that bridge the gap between artist and viewer. These locations are all over Sioux Falls, so as you wander out into the community this summer, keep an eye out for your own “Gallery Glimpse.”
Here are few of the expected and unexpected places to experience the Sioux Falls visual art scene this summer:
The art gallery “staples of this community” continue to show innovative new work by some of the region’s most dedicated makers. Exhibition schedules rotate frequently, so these locations deserve to be visited again and again. Eastbank Art Gallery, Piper Arts, Rehfeld’s Art & Framing, Augustana University’s Eide/Dalrymple Gallery and the Visual Arts Center (VAC) at the Washington Pavilion are just to name a few.
Speaking of the VAC, an upcoming collaborative exhibition between local artists and the city of Sioux Falls might entice you to plan a visit. “Going Metro” explores public transit through the eyes of artists such as Diana Behl, Epiphany Knedler, Jay Sanchez, Jon Nguyen, Kellen Boice, Mary Payton, Nick Poppens, Rodger Ellingson, Steve Bormes, Tim Rickett, Erik Ritter and Nichole Cross. This unique exhibit will be on view in the Jerstad Gallery June 4–Oct. 31.
Grabbing a cup of coffee at The Breaks downtown? Don’t miss the opportunity to view a rotating exhibition schedule in an unconventional location… the bathroom. Lovingly titled “Occupied,” this tiny art gallery will give you a truly private art viewing experience.
While you’re downtown, don’t forget to take in the new sculptures of SculptureWalk Sioux Falls. This outdoor gallery space has been a special part of the art scene in Sioux Falls for the last 18 years, bringing incredible 3D work to our city from artists all over the country.
Looking for the up-and-coming art spaces of the summer? Van Art Studios on Phillips Avenue, and the Backartigans (coming to a backyard near you) might be just the gallery experience you’ve been looking for. Find event information on their respective Facebook and Instagram pages.
Keep an eye out for murals, public art projects and plein-air painters all over the city this summer. However, don’t forget that while there is a lot to see in the public sphere, much of visual art is created in the privacy of art studios all over the region. Ask an artist for a studio visit, like and follow the work of your favorite local artists online, add to your personal art collection by purchasing a work you love and open your eyes to your own gallery glimpse this summer.
Jana Anderson is an artist and arts professional based in Sioux Falls. She received her BA in Painting from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn., in 2011, and her MFA in Painting from Indiana University’s Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design in 2019. She is an experimental abstract artist in the studio, and she works for Piper Arts, a full-service art company incorporating a gallery of regional artwork, custom framing and fine art printing for artists, collectors and corporations.