For Lopez, his work and gallery are all about community, wanting the gallery to be a place where locals can be introduced to the rich culture of artistry. “It’s a celebration of art, culture, and art education,” he said. “It’s an outlet for anybody that has artistic, creative vision.” In addition to being a community space, the gallery has also been a familial one, fostering a special relationship between Lopez and his mother. In the spring, summer, and fall Lopez’s mother, Elizabeth , greets people and runs the shop from 10 in the morning to three in the afternoon. “She gets so much joy from working at the gallery and meeting people,” said Lopez. “It’s really been a blessing in that way, that I could spend time with my parents at home.” Under it all, Lopez says his family and the ranching culture is the “heart and soul” of what inspires him. “Any time I’ve tried moving away from home, I just feel the call to move back,” he said. “South Dakota’s just kind of in my blood.”
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THE ROAD TRIP ISSUE may 2025
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