Amazing talent will be on display Saturday afternoon during the Spirit of Dakota art show planned from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Huron Event Center Lobby.

The 37th anniversary celebration of this prestigious event will include an afternoon tea reception and art show, along with a 5:30 p.m. social and 6:30 p.m. banquet.

Twelve outstanding women from across South Dakota will be honored at the event, with one taking home the Spirit of Dakota Award.

The public is invited to attend the awards banquet and ceremony by reserving tickets in advance.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Huron Chamber and Visitors Bureau, 605-352-0000 or 1-800-487-6673.

The 2022-2023 nominees are Julie Bell, Brookings; Juanita Delbridge, Union Center; Mary Lou Gruebele, Eureka; Lynn Hanson, Aberdeen; Jeannie Hofer, Huron; Stephanie Judson, Pierre; Kathy Larsen, Brookings; Jennifer Luper-Lark, Huron; Wally Matush, Hill City; Amanda Nolz Radke, Mitchell; Jamie Lee Seiner, Pierre; and Judy Winegar, Wessington Springs.

The art show will feature the talents of five local women who began painting together about six years ago — Linda Marcus, Helen Trandall, Nita Sitterley, Cathy Miedema and Carol Anderson.

“Learning to paint was one of my retirement goals,” said Linda Marcus, who meets with the other aspiring artists once a week in her She Shed on their property.

“My husband built a pole barn; he thought he built a Man Cave,” Marcus said. “He finished one little room with a bathroom, kitchen and TV. Then I started painting, then I invited friends to paint and I took possession and it’s just not his anymore.”

Marcus began taking lessons from Margaret Schmidt in Lane about 10 years ago, and when Schmidt retired she began asking friends to join her in the She Shed to paint.

“We call it Mental Health Monday,” Marcus said. “We talk about everything under the sun, and we paint.”

How does her husband, Pete, feel about losing his Man Cave? “He just laughs and says he’s so happy I’m having fun out there. The whole rest of the building is his Man Cave, I get one corner.”

Carol Anderson, who also took lessons from Margaret Schmidt in Lane, said Marcus invited her to join her at the She Shed after Schmidt retired.

“I appreciate the opportunity to learn from these very talented women, and I enjoy the creative, artistic atmosphere,” Anderson said. “I find our weekly sessions both relaxing and motivating.”
Nita Sitterley said she has enjoyed painting at the She Shed for the past five years. “Linda Marcus is a great hostess and I have learned so much,” she said “We all seem to paint our passions. Most of my paintings relate to my love of the western lifestyle.”

Sitterley, who is a retired photographer, has always enjoyed creating portraits, whether through the camera lens or with her brushes.

“I paint my own photos of friends,” she said. “I try to capture their essences. It is so rewarding to see their faces when they receive their portraits of themselves. I am looking forward to another season with the gals and our brushes.”

Helen Trandall has been painting with Marcus and “the She Shed crew” for the last six years.

“We set aside every Monday afternoon whenever possible,” Trandall said. “We all have different subject matter that we are interested in, so it is enjoyable to see each other’s works from start to finish.”

Cathy Miedema said she has always loved art, whether it’s drawing or painting. Her passion for art was kindled by an elementary art teacher, Mrs. Haskell. “She was a great art teacher,” she added.

Miedema also took lessons from Margaret Schmidt in Lane, which is where she became acquainted with Linda Marucs and eventually joined the She Shed group of artists.

“I believe it’s a God-given gift, a talent that says if you think you can, you can paint it,” Miedema said. “And it always helps to paint with those encouraging friends.”