ART + DESIGN
The exhibition is drawn from the museum’s collection, while also utilizing key loans with the goal of expanding the stories, themes, questions, and interests that emerged from a community survey conducted to help inform what people wanted to see. In the survey, one question was asked of the public: “What should be included in an exhibition titled America in Art at the South Dakota Art Museum?” In the responses, some hoped for celebration and patriotism, while others asked for South Dakota stories with depictions of landscapes, pioneer life, and agrarian life, according to Merkt. Many respondents expressed they would like to see a complete view of the nation, including voices that have too long been left out of conversations regarding the United States, such as Native American perspectives and immigrant stories. The necessity for genuine and meaningful depictions of diverse communities and lived experiences was apparent. “The responses revealed the complexity of the topic and confirmed the need for a broad, layered, and nuanced approach,” said Merkt. THE SOUTH DAKOTA ART MUSEUM’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The South Dakota General Federation of Women’s Clubs members first imagined a permanent home for the visual arts in South Dakota in 1940. The museum was established by the South Dakota State Legislature in 1957 and opened in 1970. Today, it has significant, broad holdings including more than 7,000 works of art.
34 | 605MAGAZINE.COM
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online