“There isn’t a single artistic identity that defines South Dakota. It’s perhaps best to think of it more as an artistic landscape—as art in South Dakota is as diverse as the state’s geography,” said South Dakota Art Museum director Donna Merkt . The South Dakota Art Museum honors the foundational visions that have shaped the museum, from notable contributors to generous artistic efforts. The newly-debuted exhibition, The Founding Gifts , not only communicates gratitude for the
works and artists, but celebrates the contextual history behind each gift and each piece of art. The exhibition has three parts, including Harvey Dunn’s paintings, Ben Reifel’s personal collection of Plains art, and the South Dakota General Federation of Women’s Club’s ( GFWC ) art collection. Merkt says the idea for The Founding Gifts exhibition began with a conversation about Harvey Dunn’s original gift of art to South Dakota State College , now South Dakota State University ( SDSU ), in
1950. The origin of the museum was founded with education at its core, and generosity that felt meaningful to honor. “As we approached the 75th anniversary of that moment, our curatorial team began discussing a commemorative exhibition,” said Merkt. She continued, “The concept quickly expanded as we reflected on other foundational contributions—gifts rooted not in wealth or prestige, but in a shared belief in the power of art to educate, honor, and connect.”
THE SUMMER ISSUE june 2025
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