ART FINALISTS
ART FINALISTS
Meandering in the Hills – Cecilia Herrera – St. Tomas Moore, Rapid City This is a watercolor depicting the Walk-and-Fish hike. My cousin from East River came to visit and we waded through creeks until we came to this rock formation that I painted. It was super pretty and we went swimming around the rocks. I had a very fun time, and I’ll never forget it which is why I chose to paint it for this contest. I used watercolor because watercolor seemed like it would be a best fit for the “vibe” I was going for.
Aurelia Serenade – Johan Gomez – Spearfish High School This scenery captured my attention and I think it demonstrates the beauty of the Black Hills. When I view this image I can’t help but think of Rivendell and the Lord of the Rings and how safe and comforting that place feels in a place full of evil lurking around. I believe that in a similar aspect, the Black Hills also makes me feel that way. It makes me feel safe, it makes me feel happy, and I think this image demonstrates a feeling of comfort and peace.
The Lone Leaf – Taycee Ziegler – Spearfish High School
Afternoon Hike in The Black Hills – Abbigail Hegge – Spearfish High School This piece beautifully captures every aspect of the beautiful Black Hills. It shows the good contrast of the dark green pine trees and the bright blue sky and sun. I don’t go on hikes much because of how busy I get, but when I can I love and the bright blue sky and sun. I don’t go on hikes much because of how busy I get, but when I can I love to take pictures to be able to look back on the moment.
This photograph, taken in Spearfish Canyon, centers on a leaf caught in the narrow crack of a sidewalk. Drawn to its texture, color, and delicate imperfections, I was interested in how something so small can reflect the larger rhythms of the landscape-seasonal change, erosion, and renewal. The surrounding canyon, vast and enduring, contrasts with the leaf’s fleeting presence, yet both are part of the same continuous cycle. Through this image, I aim to invite a slower kind of looking-one that notices subtle details and finds the meaning in stillness.
The Ignorant – Caitlyn Bjerke – Lincoln HS, Sioux Falls This painting is based off of an experience I had at a South Dakota state park last year where I finally got to see Wood Ducks up close. Although it didn't last long as they got scared off, the memory still sticks with me to this day.
A Legion Lake Picnic View – Patricia Oleary – Homeschool, Hot Springs This was a day at Legion Lake in Custer State Park with my family. We had a picnic and hiked around the lake; getting to know Nature better.
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The Shadowy Depths of the Badlands – Bennett Kortan – Spearfish High School I took this photo during the summer of 2025. Since then, I have slowly perfected this picture by involving a total tonal spectrum bringing the photo to life. My photography is an attempt to capture the sheer beauty of nature through a lens. I am drawn to the abstract and vivid scenes molded by the depths of nature, conveying shadows throughout.
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Heart of the Prairie – Bailey Bolton – Watertown High School I chose to draw this sketch because of SD’s nature, wildlife, and animals. I’ve always enjoyed SD’s parks because of the beauty all over the prairie. I love all the memories I’ve had in SD because there’s always something to do with family, friends, and more! I also love all the memories I make with my grandparents when we go fishing in the lakes.
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