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South Dakotans for the Arts (SoDA) Day at the Legislature highlighted arts education and introduced the first artworks in the new Art for State Buildings collection in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, January 14. The work of young South Dakota artists were a big feature of SoDA Day. Over 100 pieces of art created by children from every Legislative District adorned tote bags, one for every Legislator, Governor Rounds, Lt. Governor Daugaard, and all Department Secretaries. The artwork of three Red Cloud High School students was selected to represent the 27th District. Amber Palmier and Amber Steele, both 10th graders, and Jasmine White Butterfly, a 12th grader, had their work featured on tote bags that were given to their senator and representatives. The legislators who received the artwork are Senator Theresa Two Bulls, Representative Jim Bradford, and Representative Mark DeVries.
The annual SoDA Day observance focuses attention on the importance of the arts in the lives of South Dakotans. The artwork from South Dakota fine artists is the beginning of a cultural legacy collection for the state, said SoDA’s Executive Director Pat Boyd. “We are very grateful to the five distinguished South Dakota artists who have so generously donated their work as the foundation for the Art for State Buildings collection. Their leadership and magnificent contributions were instrumental in securing the appropriation for the purchase of additional artwork and creating a treasured artistic legacy for the people of South Dakota.”
South Dakotans for the Arts is a nonprofit statewide membership organization, advancing the arts through service, education and advocacy. (Shari Kosel is the Program Director for the South Dakotans for the Arts/South Dakota Alliance for Arts Education.) Order your very own student designed tote bag by clicking here
Join us in our mission of educating the mind and spirit of the Lakota people, now and for future generations. Please consider an online gift. |
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South Dakotans for the Arts Day at the Legislature 
“Teachers from every South Dakota legislative district assist in this arts advocacy project, showcasing the creativity of our young people and their own teaching skills,” according to SoDA program director Shari Kosel. “The artwork will serve as a daily reminder to our legislators that the arts are an integral part of learning and living in South Dakota.”
Artists Grete Bodogaard, Dale Lamphere, Donald Montileaux, George Prisbe and Doris Rudel offered to donate major works to initiate the collection, contingent on state funding for the purchase of other artwork. A $20,000 appropriation in the 2008 state budget will fund the growth of the state art collection, and is the first funding to the Art for State Buildings Fund since it was established by the Legislature in 1989, according to Dennis Holub, South Dakota Arts Council. 