Grand River Arts Council

06/15/2026

What a milestone in Pine Ridge!

Congratulations to Dwayne Wilcox, whose three-dimensional piece Kuciyela earned First Place in Division IV Three Dimensional—a well-deserved recognition for an extraordinary work of art. Congratulations as well to all of the artists whose talents were celebrated during the 58th Red Cloud Indian Art Show.

One of the longest-running Native American art shows in the country, the Red Cloud Indian Art Show continues to showcase outstanding artistry while honoring culture, tradition, and storytelling. The opening of the new Čhatkú Arts Center marks another exciting step forward, reminding us that the arts play a vital role in preserving cultural identity and strengthening communities.

The Grand River Arts Council encourages everyone to make the trip to Pine Ridge and experience the new arts center for yourselves. Support Native artists, celebrate Indigenous creativity, and be part of this exciting new chapter for the arts in our region.

Located in Pine Ridge, the Čhatkú Arts Center welcomed over 1,000 people with guided tours, live performances, artist showcases and vendors this week.

⬇️Read More⬇️
https://www.sdpb.org/arts-life/2026-06-11/chatku-arts-center-opens-its-doors-for-the-first-time

06/13/2026

Join us in person at the library or send a message for a virtual link.

06/12/2026

This week's stories from the Yesterday Project invite us to look back at moments of creativity that shaped who we are today.

With the help of Mrs. Witt's photojournalism students, community members reflected on their experiences with the arts during their school years and shared how those experiences continue to influence their lives. These stories remind us that creativity, curiosity, and artistic expression often leave lasting impressions that extend far beyond the classroom.

Scott Peterson took both band and art when he was in school. Art captured his interest, and today he teaches art and coaches at Lemmon High School.

For Cathy Reinert, art was one of the subjects that she took when she was in school. Today, she is a practicing nurse.

The Yesterday Project celebrates the lasting impact of creativity and the important role the arts play in enriching both individuals and communities across generations. Thank you to the students and community members who helped bring these stories to life.

06/05/2026

Two more stories from the Yesterday Project...

Mrs. Witt’s photojournalism students interviewed community members and asked them to look back on their experiences with the arts during their school years and the impact those experiences have had on their lives. These stories highlight how creativity, learning, and artistic expression can leave a mark that lasts beyond the classroom.

Mandy Mollman is a para professional at Lemmon High School. She reported she was an actress in drama when she was a student.
Willie Harris took welding when he was in school. It’s a skill that can be used in many
ways for function and artistry. (Just ask John Lopez). Today, Willie is employed as a mechanic.

The Yesterday Project celebrates the lasting impact of creativity and the important role the arts play in enriching both individuals and communities across generations. Thank you to the students and community members who helped bring these stories to life.

06/01/2026

"Double, double, toil and trouble..." Shakespeare is coming to Lemmon!

Join the Grand River Arts Council for three days of theater and community fun as the North Dakota Shakespeare Festival brings the drama of Macbeth to Lemmon.

📅 Sunday, June 28
The festivities begin with a special outdoor performance at Five Counties Nursing Home at 6:30 PM.

📅 Monday, June 29
Kids ages 8–18 are invited to attend a free theater day camp at the Lemmon Public Library from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Lunch will be provided.

Working alongside the festival's professional actors, participants will create a short show to perform before Tuesday night's production. Whether you're destined to be a king, a witch, or a wandering messenger, there's a place for everyone on stage!

📅 Tuesday, June 30
Camp participants will meet at 4:30 PM at Main Street Park to rehearse for the evening performance.

🎭 Public Performance of Macbeth
📍 Main Street Park, Lemmon
🕡 6:30 PM

Join us beneath the open sky as ambition, prophecy, and fate unfold in one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. Snacks will be available for a free-will donation to support Grand River Arts Council programming. Bring a lawn chair and prepare for a bewitching evening!

05/30/2026

The next two stories in the Yesterday Project series have arrived!

With help from Mrs. Witt’s photojournalism students, participants reflected on their experiences with the arts during their school years and shared how those moments continue to shape their lives today.

The Yesterday Project celebrates the lasting impact of creativity and the important role the arts play in enriching both individuals and communities across generations. Thank you to the students and community members who helped bring these stories to life.

Bobbie Harris: Bobbie took photography when she was a student and being a mother is now her full-time job.

Carla Loder: Carla was a photography student in school and now teaches special education at Lemmon High School.

05/21/2026

The next two stories in the Yesterday Project series are here!

With help from Mrs. Witt’s photojournalism students, participants shared memories of their involvement in the arts during their school years and reflected on how those experiences continue to impact their lives today.

Stacy Barnes: Stacy took art in school and although she is shy about drawing attention, her work as a florist reflects that influence.

Raven Christman: Raven, our local librarian, was in choir when in high school. She said, “One of my favorite memories from choir was being selected for All-State choir my senior year. We performed at the Civic Center (now known as the Monument) in Rapid City, SD.”

The Yesterday Project celebrates the importance of the arts and the meaningful role creativity can play throughout a lifetime, enriching both individuals and communities along the way. Thank you to the students and their people who helped bring these stories to life.

05/15/2026

We’re excited to share the next two stories in the Yesterday Project series!

With help from Mrs. Witt’s photojournalism students, participants reflected on their experiences with the arts during their school years and the impact those experiences have today.

P***y (Donna) Hulm took art in school and now calls herself grandma. She reported
that her “favorite form of art is sculpture, like John Lopez. He is very good at it, and I like that stuff. Appreciation for art is ageless!"

Ina Boldt is a retired Birth – 3 Coordinator. Her art inspired her "to do crafty things with grand-kids. I also have the confidence to be in charge of fundraisers." Art endeavors of all kinds can take us beyond just the creation of art.

The Yesterday Project celebrates the importance of the arts and the meaningful role creativity can play throughout a lifetime, enriching both individuals and communities along the way. Thank you to the students and their people who helped bring these stories to life.

05/14/2026

Join us in person at the Lemmon Public Library Monday, May 18th. Or request a link to join us virtually. See you there!