Vermillion Area Arts Council

BILL MIZE TO PLAY FARBER HALL ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 21st

2012-01-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Vermillion is privileged to host an important musician later this month. Bill Mize has emerged from the the acoustic guitar movement of the 1980's as an influential instrumentalist and composer. Bill is a past winner of the Winfield National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition, and is a respected contributor to a number of leading guitar festivals. He received a Grammy Award for his collaboration with storyteller David Holt on the recording "Stellaluna," and Ken Burns included Bill's work in his latest documentary film, "The National Parks, America's Best Idea." His music draws from his Appalachian home, as well as from soul, folk, jazz, and rock traditions. His playing is sublime, yet accessible, smooth, but syncopated, and Beth Bramhall's subtle accordion accompaniment adds a another beautiful element to Bill's sophisticated and engaging performances. We're fortunate to have a hall worthy of such musicianship. Farber Hall, in Old Main on the USD campus, is a gem of an auditorium, beautifully restored, and Bill will take the stage at 8:00. Tickets are $15 at the door. Contact: 670-0236.

Let's Celebrate Art for Peace and Justice in 2012

2012-01-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

We hope you can attend Vermilion Area Arts Council’s Third Annual Art Exhibit honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street, on the National Holiday, Monday, January 16, from 2-6 p.m.

In 1957 Dr. King was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization formed to provide new leadership for the civil rights movement. The ideals of the SCLC were based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ; the organization’s techniques of non-violent resistance were influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. During the eleven-year period between 1957 and 1968, Dr. King traveled over six million miles and spoke over twenty-five hundred times, appearing wherever there was injustice, for protest and action; meanwhile he wrote five books. In 1963, he directed the peaceful march of 250,000 people on Washington, D.C. There he delivered his speech, "l Have a Dream." In 1964, at the age of thirty-five, he was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. Four years later, Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers of that city.

Our January 16^th Art for Peace and Justice Exhibit featuring works by artists and poets of all ages will be free and open to the public. Students from the University of South Dakota’s Center for Academic Engagement will conduct art activities for children between 2 and 4:30 that afternoon. The foyer will feature art representing the world’s diverse cultures that was donated to the VAAC by USD’s Wesleyan Ministries. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served. Artists and poets are invited to display original works addressing the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights issues, social issues, or peace in any art form. All work must be hand-delivered to Washington Street Arts Center on Saturday, January 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 15. For more information contact Lora Hensellora.hensel@usd.edu or Tom Emanuel tom.emanuel@usd.edu.

Crimson Door Holiday Gift Show!

2012-01-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

Yankton Area Arts is continuing its Crimson Door Holiday Gift Show through Friday, January 6, 2012! The exhibit features over thirty area artists and their one-of-a-kind original handcrafted gifts, and everything is priced under $100! All kinds of treasures remain, so come support our local artists as the New Year begins! The gallery is open from 1-5 PM every weekday.

Additionally, the GAR Gallery will be closing at 5 PM on January 6 through the end of the month in order for us to undertake scheduled work on the hardwood floors. Subsequently, there will be no First Friday event on Friday, January 6. Our next exhibit will be the Youth Art Show, and we’ll have a grand gallery reopening and First Friday event on Friday, February 3, 2012!

The G.A.R. Hall Art Gallery and Yankton Area Arts are located at 508 Douglas. For more information call 665-9745, email yaa@iw.net, or see www.YanktonAreaArts.org.

Sharing the Arts This Holiday Season

2011-12-05T18:00:00.001-08:00

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area

Vermillion Area Arts Council cordially invites you to enjoy and partipate in a variety of arts this holiday season at Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street.

On Saturday, December 10, we will host a Holiday Party featuring photographs by Denny Pearson and crafts from Sharing the Dream in Guatemala. The gala is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Photographs by Sioux Falls artist Denny Pearson will be on display and for sale, along with a variety of arts and crafts from Sharing the Dream in Guatemala, a non-profit organization that promotes fair trade with cooperatives and small businesses in Guatemala. (Insert Juana photo)

Dianne Nesselhuf and Denny Pearson will speak at 7 p.m. Nesselhuf founded the organization in 1996 in order to help Guatemalan women find a market for their products. Pearson first visited Guatemala in 2003 in order to photograph some of the forty projects Sharing the Dream supports. These include a school, an orphanage and an elder center.

In 2008, Sharing the Dream in Guatemala asked Laura Wilson, a bi-lingual writer, to interview the elders to record their many stories. Pearson traveled again to Guatemala to photograph elders for the book that resulted from the interviews,Stories of Survival: Mayan Elders Share their Memories. The book will be for sale at the event.

The evening will also feature Latin jazz by saxophone and piano duo, C.J. Kocher and Brad Richardson. There will also be a taco bar, desserts and drinks for your enjoyment. The event is free and open to the public.

You are also invited to participate in a Civic Reflection Discussion, to be held at the Arts Center on Monday, December 12 from 7-9 p.m. That evening Dr. Matthew Moen will facilitate a group discussion beginning with the reading of a short work of literature. You are invited to come and share your own experiences and stories. Refreshments will be served.

This is one of many such gatherings to be held throughout the state to inspire us to share stories about life in our communities. The South Dakota Humanities Council, which is sponsoring these sessions, will publish a book on “What Makes a South Dakotan” in 2012 to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. You’ll be provided with information about how to submit a story or poem to be considered for inclusion in the book. Please come and be part of this project.

There are also two USD Student Art Exhibits in December, both scheduled from 6:30-9 p.m. On December 2nd, students of Professor Young Ae Kim presented an AIGA Classwork Showcase. Chris Meyer’s Installation Class will exhibit their work on December 15th.

Don’t miss what’s new in the arts!

For further information, contact Norma Wilson, Norma.Wilson@usd.edu, 605-624-9279.

International Songwriting Competition "Unsigned Only" Competition

2011-11-29T16:51:00.001-08:00

THE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) LAUNCHES NEW MUSIC
COMPETITION FOR UNSIGNED ARTISTS

Top Level Record Industry Executives To Mentor Grand Prize Winner

Nashville, TN, USA - November 15, 2011 - The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), one of the world's largest songwriting competitions, has launched Unsigned Only, a new, unique international music competition. Designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major record label, Unsigned Only's goal is to find an outstanding, talented performing artist: a band, singer, or solo artist...a newcomer or veteran...raw or polished - the "gem" that needs to be discovered. Unsigned Only is looking for the total package. Judging criteria includes vocals,
performance, songwriting, and originality.

Completely separate and distinct from ISC, Unsigned Only is a fresh and novel approach to other music competitions. Not only does it offer great prizes, recognition, exposure, and the chance to be heard by a group of judges consisting of high-profile recording artists and industry professionals, but it also takes it a step further and puts the Grand Prize winner in direct, personal contact with the influential record label executives who are the ultimate decision makers. For the first time ever, a
music competition offers the Grand Prize winner the unprecedented opportunity to be mentored by a group of record company presidents, A&R reps, and more. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for an artist to directly network with the top echelon of record company professionals and get guidance, advice, feedback, and networking opportunities.

The founders of Unsigned Only, Jim Morgan and Candace Avery, talk about the new venture: "We are pleased to introduce a new music competition of this caliber to artists throughout the world. Having worked with a wide variety of artists over many years, we know that what artists want most is access to record label professionals. However, it is virtually impossible for most up-and-coming artists to have direct access to this elite and elusive group of decision makers. So, Unsigned Only is offering the unprecedented opportunity for the Grand Prize winner to network with and be mentored by a prestigious group of record label executives. This has never been done before, and we are excited about the possibilities it affords the Unsigned Only winner."

The judging panel is comprised of an impressive group of recording artists, producers, and top-level music journalists. They include: 3 Doors Down; Manchester Orchestra; Cyndi Lauper; Robert Smith (The Cure); Jeremy Camp; Craig Morgan; Kelly Clarkson; Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Matt and Kim; St. Vincent; The Mountain Goats; Josh Jackson (Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Paste Magazine); Scott Lapatine (Founder, Stereogum); and more to be announced.

The panel of mentors who have signed on to participate is equally impressive. Included are: Monte Lipman (President of Universal Republic); Pete Ganbarg (Executive Vice President/Head of A&R, Atlantic Records); David Wolter (Senior VP of A&R, RCA Records); Kim Stephens (President, Forward Entertainment and A&R/Capitol Music Group); Trevor Jerideau (VP of A&R, J Records); David Wilkes (VP of A&R, eOne Music); Pete Giberga (Head of A&R, Razor & Tie Records); Jason Geter (President, Grand Hustle Records); and more to be announced.

The Grand Prize Winner will be awarded $5,000 in cash (plus additional prizes) and one-on-one mentoring by an elite group of record company executives. First Place and Second Place winners will also be selected in each category. Entries are being accepted now until March 5, 2012. Winners
will be announced in July, 2012. Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), AC (Adult Contemporary), Christian Music, Country, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop/Top 40, and Vocal Performance.

All entries must be original music except for the Vocal Performance category which accepts original or cover songs. Judging criteria in the Vocal Performance category will be based solely on the quality of the vocals, thereby allowing singers who do not write their own songs the opportunity to enter.

For more information, please contact Candace Avery at 615.251.4441 or cavery@unsignedonly.com.
For entry and general information, please go to http://www.unsignedonly.com

Time to Clear Garden Plots!

2011-11-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Community Gardeners,

Well, it's that time of year again! Time to clear out the plots for the season. If you have not already done so, please have your plots cleared out by Sunday, November 6. There will be folks working in the garden on Saturday (5th). Thank you!

Nick

Occupy Washington St on Saturday!

2011-11-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Occupy Event Saturday in Vermillion

Occupy Washington Street will happen this Saturday, November 5th at the Washington Street Arts Center. The address is 202 Washington Street in Vermillion. The event will begin at 5pm and end at 8pm. Visual Artists who need time to set up are encouraged to do so from 4pm-6pm on Friday. Those attending are encouraged to bring one non-perishable food item for donation to the Vermillion Food Pantry. The event has several purposes: 1. To gain a deeper understanding of economic injustice in the United States, 2. To Envision a brighter future through poetry, music, and art, and 3. To hold a Vermillion General Assembly. All are encouraged to bring their own creative works. We have attached a flyer here if you wish (and you are certainly encouraged to) help us advertise for the event.

The Arts of October and Chili Blues

2011-10-06T15:12:00.001-07:00

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

Celebrate the Arts at our Chili Blues Cook-Off set for Saturday, October 8^th, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street, Vermillion. T. Wilson King and a dozen area chefs are cooking up a tasty celebration of food and music at the Vermillion Area Arts Council’s 21st annual Chili Blues Cook-Off. The landscapes of Agnes “Bobbie” Alsgaard-Lien will provide a lovely setting for the event.

Chili Blues guests cast votes for their favorite chili to win the “People’s Choice” award. Three judges from the community will also weigh in to award the “Judge’s Choice” to their favorite chili concoction. The cook-off will also feature a variety of cornbreads and desserts. Pop, beer, and wine will be available for an additional purchase.

Local guitarist and singer T. Wilson King will heat up the place with his eclectic style. Having appeared with such greats as B.B. King, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Leo Kottke, Gatemouth Brown, Jimmy Thackery, the Allman Brothers and Keb Mo, T. Wilson says, “I guess I’m what you might call a ‘journeyman.’ I really dig the blues as well as Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie. I enjoy and have been influenced by all the musical styles. I just mixed them all together and came up with my own recipe, so to speak. My favorite moments are when the music is reaching out and touching the listener somehow and we’re all having a good time.”

Tickets to Chili Blues will be available at the door: $10 for each Vermillion Area Arts Council adult member; $15 for non-member adults; $5 for children ages 11 – 18, and free for children ages 10 and under. Sponsors: VAAC, Carey’s Bar, Sharing the Dream and PrintSource.

Throughout the fall semester the VAAC will sponsor receptions for USD Student Artists exhibiting their work at Washington Street Arts Center. There will be a Painting and Photography Exhibit featuring works by students of Professors Ariadne Albright and John Banasiak October 14^th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.. There will be a Printmaking and Graphic Design Exhibit featuring works by students of Professors Johntimothy Pizzuto and Young Ae KimOctober 28^th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. The receptions are free and open to the public.

The VAAC wishes to thank Vermillion High School Tanager volunteers--Christopher Barta, Lauren Metzger, Elly Miller, Kristopher Miller,Matt Moore, Zachary Nicks, Colin Olson, Grace Olson, Paige Olson, Megan Olson,Emily Orwig, Heidi Osterberg, Shelby Ostermyer, Abby Ouellette, Samuel Pearson,and Carl Rarick--for the hard work they did to clean, organize and trim our building and grounds on September 20^th. The volunteers were supervised by VAAC Board member and VHS art teacher Janet Beeman. The old building hasn’t looked this good in a long time!

Find more information about the VAAC: vermillionareaartscouncil.blogspot.com

VAAC Annual Meeting this Saturday!

2011-09-15T12:43:00.001-07:00

Dear VAAC Members and Friends,You are cordially invited to these upcoming events:Annual Meeting & Potluck, Sat., Sept. 17, 6-9 p.m. at Washington Street Arts Center. If you aren’t already a VAAC member, please come and join at this event as we celebrate our building restoration and enjoy an artful evening, featuring paintings by Agnes “Bobbie” Alsgaard-Lien, and music by Rebecca Gehm, Phil Devaney, Morgan Carnes and Phil Thoendal. At the meeting, the Board will provide a report on our finances and a strategic plan for the coming year, and we’ll elect four new members to the VAAC Board. September 24th from 7-9 p.m. at the Arts Center, novelist and filmmaker, Charles Nauman and author Jerry Wilson will read from and autograph their recently published books. Nauman’s novel Pola was published in 2010, and Wilson’s collection of short stories Blackjacks and Blue Devils was published in 2011. Following the reading, there will be a reception for the authors and for artist “Bobbie” Alsgaard-Lien. The event is free and open to the public.

Creative writing camp for high school students at USD Sept. 24

2011-09-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

Teachers, administrators, and other educators are invited to nominate talented high school students for “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: A Creative Writing Camp,” to be held Saturday, September 24, 2011, at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. The Dakota Writing Project (DWP), a local teachers' organization affiliated with the National Writing Project, and the Vermillion Literary Project (VLP), an award-winning student organization, are hosting the one-day camp, with assistance from Prairie Winds.The camp, which will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., includes workshops on short fiction, poetry, art-inspired creative writing, theatrical writing, revision, performance, and poetry slam, to be followed by a public reading in Farber Hall. No experience with creative writing is necessary.The registration fee includes a day of workshops, a camp t-shirt, lunch, break refreshments, and a copy of the VLP magazine. The regular registration fee is $60, but if students register by September 12, the fee is only $50. A limited number of reduced-fee scholarships based on financial need are available; email dwp@usd.edu for info. The registration form, workshop descriptions, and details are available at http://tinyurl.com/dwpcamp . (A poster for advertising the camp and the camp registration form are also attached to this email.)This is the sixth year of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Camp. Last year, student writers from South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska participated in the camp.* * * * * *The Dakota Writing Project is a non-profit teachers’ organization that focuses on improving the teaching of writing through an invitational summer institute for teachers and a variety of other activities. For more information, visit http://connect.nwp.org/dakota-writing-project .The Vermillion Literary Project, a student organization at the University of South Dakota, publishes an annual literary magazine and hosts literary events for the university community and the general public. For more information, visit http://orgs.usd.edu/projlit.

Important Songwriting Press Release For South Dakota Friends of Traditional Music

2011-08-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

MUSIC LUMINARIES SIGN ON AS JUDGES FOR THE 2011 INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC)

Tom Waits, Tori Amos, Ozzy Osbourne, My Morning Jacket, Jeff Beck, McCoy Tyner, Duran Duran, And Kelly Clarkson Join Music Industry Executives To Select 2011 ISC Winners

August 9, 2011 - The prestigious International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has assembled a distinguished panel of judges for its 2011 competition. With the most high-profile judging panel of any music competition in the world, ISC offers songwriters and artists the unprecedented opportunity to have their music heard by iconic recording artists, as well as many major and indie record label Presidents, A&R executives, producers, music supervisors, and more.

Now accepting entries for the 2011 competition, ISC gives away more than $150,000 in cash and prizes (shared among the 68 winners) including an overall Grand Prize consisting of $25,000 (US) cash and $20,000 in prizes. Open to all levels of songwriters, ISC offers 22 categories that include all genres of popular music. Past winners have included artists from Grammy winners to hobbyist songwriters and everyone in between.

For information and enter, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com

Winning ISC can be a tremendous career booster. Over the years, many winners have achieved great career success, including getting signed to labels such as Epic, Universal, Motown, and more. Many more winners have secured publishing deals, smaller label deals, licensing deals, and distribution deals in addition to getting more gigs, fans, and recognition.

The complete list of ISC judges includes:
Recording Artists: Tom Waits; Tori Amos; Jeff Beck; Billy Currington; My Morning Jacket; Simon Le Bon & Roger Taylor (Duran Duran); Kelly Clarkson; Keane; McCoy Tyner; Wynonna; Francesca Battistelli; Tegan and Sara; Massive Attack; Michael W. Smith; Alejandro Sanz; Johnny Clegg; Jeremy Camp; Ray Wylie Hubbard; John Mayall; Craig Morgan; Basement Jaxx; James Cotton; Sandra Bernhard; Trombone Shorty; Robert Earl Keen; Black Francis (The Pixies); Mose Allison; Robert Smith (The Cure); Amadou & Mariam; Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Toots Hibbert (Toots & The Maytals); Matt Thiessen (Relient K); Chayanne; and more...
Industry Executives: Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records); David Massey (President, Mercury Records); Brian Malouf (VP A&R, Walt Disney Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America, Sony/BMG); Ric Arboit (President, Nettwerk Music Group); Anastasia Brown (Music Supervisor, FORMAT); Allison Jones (VP of A&R, Big Machine Label Group); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Dan Storper (President, Putamayo World Music Records and Putumayo Kids); Kim Buie (VP A&R, Lost Highway); Douglas C. Cohn (Sr. VP, Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon); Trevor Jerideau (VP of A&R, J Records); Antony Bland (A&R, American Recordings); Steve Smith (VP of A&R, Aware Records); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Dr. Demento (Radio Host, The Dr. Demento Show); and more...

ISC Sponsors: Presonus, Lowden Guitars, Sennhaiser, ASCAP, Berklee College of Music, Posse, D'Addario, Thayers, SongU.com, Online Gigs, The Music Business Registry, Independent Mastering, Indie Venue Bible, George Stein, Esq. Sonicbids, Taxi, and music Submit

What's New With Vermillion Area Arts?

2011-08-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

Vermillion Area Arts Council is proud to join other community organizations participating in United Way’s Campaign Kick Off, scheduled for Thursday, August 25^th, from 6-8 p.m. at Ratingen Platz on the corner of Market and Main Streets in Vermillion. We invite you to visit our table and learn more about the VAAC. If you’re not a member already, we hope you’ll join. Our organization provides support for artists of all ages and creates opportunities for members of the Vermillion community to enjoy and appreciate the arts. We’re grateful to United Way, the Clay County Commission, and the many other governmental and community organizations that help make our work possible.

During August, VAAC volunteers will continue fixing up and painting Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street, to prepare for the coming school year. If you can help, please join our crew on Saturday, August 27. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a break at noon for lunch provided by the VAAC.

We’ve scheduled three events for Saturdays in September: our Annual Meeting, potluck and board election September 17, from 6-9 p.m. with an exhibit of Landscapes by Agnes “Bobbie” Alsgaard-Lein and music by Rebecca Gehm, Phil Devaney, Morgan Carnes and Phil Tiendal; a meeting of the Clay County Preservation Commission, Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; and also on the 24^th from 7-9 p.m. a fiction reading and book signing by Chuck Nauman and Jerry Wilson with a reception for the authors and painter Alsgaard-Lien.

Check our September 6^th Equalizer column for more details about these events and for announcements of art classes to be offered this fall at Washington Street Arts Center.

If you have questions or ideas for the VAAC or are interested in serving on our Board of Directors, please contact me: Norma.Wilson@usd.edu or 605-624-9279.

We Couldn't Do Art Without You!

2011-07-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

I am pleased to announce that the structural work on Washington Street Arts Center’s bell tower has been completed. Vermillion Area Arts Council is grateful to the Mary Chilton Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution through the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation, Sioux Falls, South Dakota for providing us with major funding for this project. We used this money for brick restoration, and for new roofs on the upper and lower levels. We also thank the South Dakota Historical Society for providing additional funding through a Deadwood Fund Grant. A portion of this grant was utilized for removing the bees, rebuilding the louvers and repairing the wooden structure of upper roof. Additional donations to our Building Fund and volunteer labor by VAAC members and friends provided additional muscle and money required to stabilize the bell tower. We very much appreciate your generous donations and hard work. Later this summer, we’ll be working to restore the ceiling and walls inside the tower that were damaged during the bee removal; and we will again need assistance in this final part of the project.

We are grateful to all who donated items and helped with the VAAC’s Bizarre Bazaar rummage sale on Saturday, June 24th. Thanks also to those who came and shopped, we raised $400 for the arts. The volunteers and donors included Ina Anderberg, Pam Kadous, Nancy Losacker, Cathy Beard, Lois O’Grady, Marcella Remund, Shelley Sykes, Cindy Kirkeby, Marie Dahlhoff, Dennis Johnson, Mary Mock, Lindy Obach, Michaelene Adams, Laurie Brown, Rebecca Gehm, Sandy Pederson, Nolan Petersen, Jo Pasqualucci, and Gail Tallaksen and others.

A special thanks to the generous sponsors who joined the VAAC in funding The Messy Hands Summer Art Camp.Sponsors include the South Dakota Arts Council, the City of Vermillion, Vermillion Civic Council, Vermillion United Way, and private donors.
Throughout the summer the VAAC is proud to sponsor Open Pottery Studio for students of all ages. Trenton Deis, a USD Art Education student, will offer instruction in the basement of Washington Street Arts Center each Wednesday, from 4-8 p.m. at $10 per session. Contact Trenton at 605-940-4234.

The Bizarre Bazaar & Other Happenings

2011-06-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

During the month of June, Washington Street Arts Center will be filled with a wide variety of activities, including the on-going preservation and renovation of our historic building, visual and musical arts events, an arts community rummage sale and our annual Messy Hands Art Camp.

From June 17-19, the Arts Center will host "The 48 Hour Music Project." Musicians are invited. to a potluck on the June 17 at 7 p.m. They will form bands that evening. During the next 48 hours, each band will create two songs. On Sunday, June 19, starting slightly after 7 p.m., the project will culminate with a free battle-of-the-bands concert for listeners of all ages.

Plans for the art community rummage sale are underway. Scheduled for Saturday, June 25, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. as part of the city-wide rummage sale, our Bizarre Bazaar will raise money for those contributing items and for Vermillion Area Arts Council as well. Unsold items will be donated to the Civic Council or the Arts Council. If you have items for the sale, please bring them to the Arts Center on Friday, June 24 between 4 and 6 p.m. You will need to mark the prices on the items to be sold and indicate what percentage of the proceeds from sales you wish to receive. Those who would like to help prepare the items for sale and sign up for a time to work at the sale should bring a dish to share for a potluck to be held at the Arts center on Friday evening, June 24 at 6 p.m.

The Messy Hands Summer Art Camp is scheduled for June 27-July 1 and from July 4-8, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Now in its fourth year, the day camp provides children from ages 3-14 with an immersion in the visual arts. There are four enrollment options: half-days for one week or two, or full-days for one week or two. Participants have the opportunity to learn about and practice a wide variety of media: painting, drawing & collage, basic printmaking & bookmaking, and sculptural techniques. All materials and healthy snacks and drinks throughout the day are provided by the camp. The curriculum encourages exploration and creative expression in a nurturing environment. Through funds provided by the City of Vermillion, the Vermillion Civic Council, the South Dakota Arts Council, and private donors, l scholarships are available to children who need them. The VAAC is committed to sponsoring this educational experience for children in the community, regardless of background. To enroll your child, contact Susan Heggestad, sheggest@yahoo.com, 605-624-4766.

Preservation work utilizing funds from the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation and the Deadwood Fund is near completion. During the month of May, Rick Johns rebuilt the wooden structure for the bell tower roof; and Steve Krowley placed insulation and membrane roofs on two levels of the bell tower to prevent water damage. Volunteers Susan Heggestad, Clarence Pederson, Sandy Pederson, Vikki Fix, Johnne Law McMahan, Zach DeBoer, Dennis Johnson, Jaymee Henry, Janet Beeman Norma Wilson, Jerry Wilson, Geoffrey Gray-Lobe, Karl Hermanson, Taylor Barstow and Rick Johns performed the following essential work: re-attached an outer door frame, repaired plaster damage in a stairwell, scraped, caulked and primed window frames, and removed plaster and efflorescence. Thanks to these volunteers we will be able to access matching funds to be used for future building needs.

Community Garden Work Day May 14

2011-05-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Community Gardeners,

Dean Spader will lead the first work day on Saturday May 14 from 10:00am until 1:00pm at the Washington St Arts Center. Please bring any tools and questions that you may have to help with the needed cleanup.

Also, Dean mowed and placed a pile or organic grass clippings on or near each plot for your use. There are extra clippings by the compost pile if you wish to use more.

The Work of Community Artists and Our Works of Art

2011-05-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

Though we announced the return spring on warm and sunny St. Patrick’s Day, it’s been sluggish in coming. At least our artists have done their part to encourage the newly emerging life. I hope you took the opportunity to view the paintings, ceramics, collages, drawings and photographs on display last month at Washington Street Arts Center. Hundreds of artists—ages five through eighteen—had the opportunity to show their stuff to their families and the community in the Vermillion Christian Home Educators art show and the Vermillion All Schools Art Show.

Vermillion Area Arts Council was also a sponsor of the Vermillion Area Dance Organization’s Spring Dance Recital. “Dancing Through the Ages,” May 1, at the VHS Performing Arts Center. How lovely to watch the Four Little Swans (Rebecca Ford, Elizabeth Law, Victoria Law and Kayla Lewis) in the ballet performance from “Swan Lake” that opened the show. The excellent choreography and instruction provided by Adrienne Lewis were evident in this and other performances featuring advanced ballet students.

The clogging performances of Grace Freeman, Kelsey Collier-Wise, Cathy Mitchel and Merragin Iddings with an appearance by Royce Wise provided an invigorating and comic contrast to the flowing and more serious ballet, as did the tap and hip hop dancing. The dancers and their instructors Ellen Hanson, Ann Waterbury, Grace Freeman, Cathy Mitchel and Stephanie Rissler-Christopherson and VADO President Paige Keck worked hard to make the performances seem like play.

During the month of May, Rick Johns will continue his work to stabilize our building’s bell tower; and VAAC volunteers will work on Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Removing efflorescence, scraping, priming, painting and repairing ceilings, frames, windows and walls is often tedious work, but our collaborative efforts are essential to assuring that our historic building remains an attractive venue for art. If you’d like to help in the preservation work, please call me at605-624-9279, or e-mail me: Norma.Wilson@usd.edu

Vermillion High School Senior Wendy Weidemann with the ceramic African rattle she created in an Independent Study with teacher Janet Beeman.

Collaboration Project between Dan Mart’s 5^th grade and Angie Bickett’s 3^rd grade classes at Jolley School.

JazzFest Call For Graphic Artists

2011-04-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

JazzFest 2011 is July 14, 15 and 16 at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls. For more information, visit jazzfestsiouxfalls.com.

2010 winning design by Ami Kolb

Attention Graphic Artists: Volunteer T-shirt Design Submissions Due April 30

Want your design featured on over 800 shirts at this summer's JazzFest, plus 2 VIP passes? Submit your design by April 30, 2011.

Winner will be announced in May.

Click here for submission guidelines!

April’s Youthful Art

2011-04-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

April showers, sunshine, blossoms signal spring, inspiring us to experience the creative process. Throughout this month Vermillion Area Arts Council will sponsor a variety of musical and visual arts events for your enjoyment at Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street. All these events are free and open to the public.

Art from the Heart and Home is scheduled for April 16, from 3:30-7:30 p.m. This visual art showcase will feature works from home-schooled students from southeast South Dakota, northeast Iowa, and northeast Nebraska. Open to all home-schooled students (K-12), the show will be hosted by the area’s co-operative, Vermillion Christian Home Educators. An artists’ reception will be held at 6 p.m. Best of Show and Viewer’s Choice awards will be presented and refreshments will be served.

For the 12th consecutive year, the VAAC will host the Vermillion All-Schools Art Show featuring works by students from Austin and Jolley Elementary Schools, St. Agnes Parish School, Vermillion Middle School, and Vermillion High School. The elementary art comes from the Jolley School Art Block and from students whose teachers have included art in their curriculum. The middle school art is from Jennifer Stofferahn 's program, and the high school art is from Janet Beeman’s classes. Everyone is invited to a reception Thursday, April 28, from 4-6 p.m. Refreshments will be served. You are also invited to view the show on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 from 2-5 p.m.

Don't miss these opportunities to be inspired at the Center by April’s youthful art!

Women in the Arts Celebration, 3/24

2011-03-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 24 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington St., Vermillion, SD

Come join us at the Washington St. Arts Center for a celebration of women in the arts! Visiting artist Yoonmi Nam, as well as many other artists, will be featuring their artwork. Poetry readings by Lee Ann Roripaugh, Jillian Logan, Jenny Yang Cropp, and Marcella Remund will accompany the celebration and The Nikerettes, live women's acoustic trio, will be providing music. Hors d'oeurves and wine will be served. This event is in conjunction with the 2011 Biennial Women's Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Conference.

St. Patty's Day Celebration & Other Upcoming Events

2011-03-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

Jami Lynn and Josh Rieck

Folksinger, songwriter Jami Lynn will headline Vermillion Area Arts Council’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Thursday, March 17,from 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street in Vermillion. Traditional Irish food and brews will be served. Works by University of South Dakota students and younger artists will be exhibited. Jami Lynn will perform Irish folksongs and music from her new CD, Sodbusters, with fellow musician Josh Rieck from 6:30-8:30 p.m. In the years since the 2008 release of Dreamer under the name of “Jami Lynn & the Aquila Band,” the two have stripped down their style and consulted local folklore for inspiration.

Tickets may be purchased at the door: $8 for VAAC Members, $12 for non-members, $5 for children 11-18 and free for children 10 and under.

Announcing Women in the Arts Night, Thursday, March 24, from 6-9 p.m., Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street, Vermillion. A gallery talk by visiting artist Yoomni Nam will headline this opening event for USD’s Women’s Research Conference. Visual art by women from our area will be exhibited; and musicians and poets will perform throughout the evening. This Vermillion Area Arts Council sponsored event is free and open to the public.

"Nurturing Young Artists"

2011-01-26T15:33:00.000-08:00

Norma Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

Nothing inspires our creativity and gratitude for life so much as the arts. That’s one reason why nurturing young artists is such an essential part of Vermillion Area Arts Council’s work. We support opportunities for them to participate in the arts by taking art classes and by exhibiting their work. Involvement in the arts can inspire all of us to more fully understand and appreciate life on this Earth.

Partnering with Vermillion’s Community Education Program, the VAAC is sponsoring “Drawing Games with Ms. Paige,” for students in grades 1-7. The fun and games began January 20 and will continue at Vermillion Public Library on Thursdays February 24, March 24, April 28 and May 12, from 3:45-5 p.m. We also sponsor Ms. Paige’s “Ready, Set, Draw” classes offered Tuesdays at Washington Street Arts Center, from 3:45-5:15 and from 6-7:15 p.m. For more information, e-mail paige@ready-set-draw.com, or call her at 605-659-0614.

We’re also joining with the Community Education Program to sponsor Studio VADO, the Vermillion Area Dance Program. Classes began January 24. Students are invited to register from February 7-11 for spring classes in Clogging, Pre-Ballet 1 and 2, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Ballet, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Hip Hop, and Beginning and Advanced Tap. For the first two weeks, classes are free. For further information, visit the ready-set-draw.com/dance website.

Partnering with Vermillion’s Parent-Teachers Association, the VAAC sponsors the Jolley School Art Block Program through which nearly 400 students at Jolley Elementary School will receive art lessons in the 2010-11 school year. Provided free of charge to the school district, local art instructors design lesson plans and train volunteers to bring four lessons to each of the second-through fifth-grade classes. Last fall, fourth and fifth grade students learned about form, color, positive and negative space, line, and value through hands-
on lessons. Third grade classrooms will take part in lessons this month, and volunteers will work with second grade students later this spring. Vermillion School District does not employ an elementary art teacher. While Jolley Art Block cannot replace a formal art program, it’s a small step toward ensuring that area elementary students are exposed to art concepts and given an opportunity to develop critical and creative thinking through the visual arts.

We are fortunate to live in a university community. Paintings, collages and ceramics by Nate Buckolz, Johnne Law McMachon and Zachary DeBoer will be on display at the next USD Student Art Exhibit scheduled for February 25th from 8-10 p.m. at Washington Street Arts Center Gallery. Don’t miss the students’ cutting-edge work at this VAAC-sponsored event.

Volunteers and donors who make our art classes and events possible, I want to thank you. Your contributions of time and money are essential to our community. No returns are more satisfying than those we receive from investing in youth. Check the VAAC Calendar at vermillionareaartscouncil.blogspot.com for more information about our art events and classes.

Drawing Games with Ms. Paige

2011-01-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

The Vermillion Area Arts Council and Ready, Set, Draw! proudly present: Drawing Games with Ms. Paige

One Thursday per month at Vermillion Public Library at 3:45-check schedules for dates
Free for kids in K-8

We will turn ordinary paper and pencil into extra-ordinary fun! Bring your friends and meet new ones as we play non-competitive games that sharpen your drawing skills and develop your powers of observation. Although the games are designed for kids ages Kindergarten through middle school, kids-at-heart (high schoolers and adults) are always welcome. We will sit according to age so that everyone feels at home in our mixed group of draw-ers as we play a new game each month. Bring your sense of adventure and join us for some good, clean, indoor fun! Ms. Paige is the instructor of Ready, Set, Draw and loves to volunteer at the library, too.

January 20: The Shape Game
February 24: Telephone Books
March 24: Add-On Pictures

April 28: Draw What you Hear

May 12: Crayon Carbon Copies

Art for Peace Exhibit Update

2011-01-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Art for Peace: visual art and poetry honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be on display Monday, January 17, from 2-6 p.m. at Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street in Vermillion. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served. Sponsored by Vermillion Area Arts Council, the event is free and open to the public.

Artists and poets are invited to display original works addressing the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights issues, social issues, or peace in any art form. All work must be hand-delivered to Washington Street Arts Center on Friday, January 14, from 4-6 p.m.; or between 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 15.

Beufords Country Fun Time Job, A Sculptural Event TONITE 12/10!

2010-12-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Tonite 12/10, 8-10 pm:
Beufords Country Fun Time Job, A Sculptural Event.
The artists are Andrea DeJong, Kaiti Strayer, Heather Bal, and Jeff Baldus.
At the Washington St Arts Center, 202 Washington St, Vermillion, SD

VAAC Upcoming Events

2010-08-29T17:38:00.001-07:00

Upcoming Events at Washington Street Arts Center Sponsored by Vermillion Area Arts Council

Saturday, September 18, 2010, 6-9 p.m. Annual Meeting, Potluck, Open Stage and Exhibit of Nancy Losacker’s Bird Mosaics, Nancy Carlsen’s River Maps and Borderlands Photographs by the Institute of Conservation Photographers. Please come, bring a dish, songs and musical instruments for open stage, help elect new VAAC board members and be the first to see the exhibit. It’s going to be fun!

Saturday, October 2, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Chili Blues. Featuring music by Mike Hilson and Gay Gilbertson, Exhibit of Borderlands Photographs by the Institute of Conservation Photographers and the World’s Tastiest Chili.

Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, River, Mound, Prairie, Sky: An Exhibit of Visual Art and Poetry Celebrating Our Natural Environment. Sat., Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m. Opening Reception with artists hors d’oeuvres, drinks and jazz, Sun., Dec. 5, 1-4 p.m. Viewing and Poetry Reading with light refreshments. Co-sponsors: Living River Group Sierra Club and Spirit Mound Trust. Call for Art: Deadline for submissions: October 15, 2010. Maximum: 4 works per artist. Media: paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, drawings, films. Visual art and poetry may be submitted in digital form to Norma Wilson (Norma.Wilson@usd.edu), or Rebecca Gehm (beccagehm@gmail.com). Poetry should be formatted for folio size (11” x 17”). You may submit your work in person at Washington Street Arts Center Friday, October 15, between 4 and 6 p.m. The VAAC will provide labels, publicize, print a program and loan frames (for 11” x 17” poems or visual images). Artists may name a price to include on the labels. We’ll set up the exhibit December 2and 3. Exhibitors must be current members of the VAAC: Submit your $15 Artist Membership fee to Rebecca Gehm, Membership Chair, VAAC, Box 284, Vermillion, SD 57069.

Monday, January 17, 2011, Art for Peace, our second annual community art exhibit celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community members and students are encouraged to create visual art and poetry for this exhibit.s

USD Fine Arts Student Exhibits: University students show their art throughout the year.

All Ages Music Shows: Hear local musicians and bands from around the country.

Drawing Classes: Ready, Set, Draw! Starting Sept. 14, Tuesdays, 3:45-5:15 and 6:30-7:45. Contact Paige Keck, 605-624-9773.

"River, Mound, Prairie, Sky: Visual Art and Poetry Celebrating Our Natural Environment" Dec. 4 & 5

2010-08-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Vermillion Area Arts Council Announces a Call for Visual Art and Poetry

“River, Mound, Prairie, Sky: Visual Art and Poetry Celebrating Our Natural Environment”—Saturday Dec. 4 and Sunday, December 5, 2010

Opening Reception, Saturday, December 4, 2010, 6-9 p.m. introducing the artists and featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and jazz.

Viewing and Poetry Reading Sunday, December 5, 1-4 p.m including light refreshments.

Deadline for submissions: October 15, 2010

Maximum: 4 works per artist.

Submit Visual Art in any Media in digital form or in person at Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington St. Vermillion. Deadline: October 15, 2010. Art submitted in person should arrive at the Arts Center between 4 and 6 p.m., Friday, October 15: paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, drawings, films. Contact Janet Beeman (605-253-2195), Norma Wilson (605-624-9279, Norma.Wilson@usd.edu) or Rebecca Gehm (Becca@gmail.com).

Submit poetry formatted for Folio size (11” x 17”) to Norma Wilson (Norma.Wilson@usd.edu) or Rebecca Gehm (BeccaGehm@gmail.com).

Exhibitors must be current members of the VAAC: Submit your $15 Artist Membership fee to Rebecca Gehm, Membership Chair, VAAC, Box 284, Vermillion, SD 57069.

The VAAC will provide labels, publicize, print a program and loan frames (for 11” x 17” poems or visual images). Artists may name a price to include on the labels.

We will set up the exhibit December 2and 3, 2010.

Sponsored by Vermillion Area Arts Council, Living River Group Sierra Club and Spirit Mound Trust

Symbiosis Art Festival

2010-05-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Symbiosis--A Community Arts Festival will be happening on Thursday, May 27^th from 7-10 p.m. at Washington Street Arts Center, 202 Washington Street in Vermillion. Symbiosis will feature visual art, speakers, and music.

A variety of art will be on display at the Festival--John Brooks (a video installation), Scott Erikson (collages, mixed media, sculpture and drawing); Becca Gehm (paintings, prints, large drawings); Danny Grindle (paintings, prints, photos and a book); Leah Keating (nature photos); Sheridan Sogge (collages); and Jonah Wonnenberg (photos and mixed media). Animator and designer Peter Gehm will present information about his new animation studio.

At 8 p.m. the 5 Grand Band featuring Steve Gap (vocals, guitar, bass, rhythm); Bruce Gray (guitar, bass); Cindy Gehm (guitar, bass, rhythm, harmonica); Becca Gehm (vocals, guitar, bass, rhythm, harmonica) and Dan Grosvenor (percussion) will perform.

Members of the new Free School community will inform the audience about their group.

You’re invited to join or renew your VAAC membership at the festival, which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The Vermillion Area Arts Council is pleased to sponsor the Festival, and we hope you can come and enjoy our artists’ Symbiosis.

Community Garden Work Day!

2010-05-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

the community garden's first Saturday work day will be this Saturday
the 8th. There will be a work day every other Saturday after this. Also, tools will be available in the
shed from here on out. starting at 10:00am for about four hours.

Memoirs Writing Workshop

2010-04-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yankton Area Arts Memoirs Writing Workshop has been postponed and will be rescheduled for early June 2010. The new date will be announce early next week; please contact Yankton Area Arts office to register or for any questions.

The June workshop will be facilitated by writing Coach Bev Oliver, the focus of the class will be Writing Your Memoirs: The Early Years. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to start putting your past onto paper. During this class you will be presented with writing guidelines for your memoir, literary warm-ups, techniques and in-class exercises. The cost of workshop is $20.00 per student, to register for the class please call 605-665-9754.

Bev Oliver holds a BS in Secondary Education-English Communications and an MS in Environmental Interpretation. In addition to her wide-ranging professional background, she researches, writes and edits personal and family histories. Her extensive writing experience also includes creating and editing newsletters, brochures, pamphlets and booklets.

The G.A.R. Hall Gallery and Yankton Area Arts are located at 508 Douglas Avenue, Yankton. The gallery is open to the public free of charge from 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information contact Pam Meylor, YAA Executive Director at 605-665-9745 or yaa@iw.net.

11th Annual Arts Education Institute

2010-04-25T18:24:00.001-07:00

The 11th annual Arts Education Institute offers professional development in arts and learning for all South Dakota teachers and administrators Pre-K through 12th grade.

The Arts Education Institute (AEI) offers an educational and fun-filled week of learning to integrate the arts into classrooms and curriculum development. This year hands-on art and music workshops offer many opportunities for all Pre-K through 12th grade educators July 12-16 in Lead, South Dakota.

AEI is offered for one or two graduate, under-graduate or recertification credits. Scholarships are available for all South Dakota teachers. Information for both institutes is available atwww.sdarts.org or by calling 605-584-1222. Anyone interested can print the information available on the website and mail the registration form with a check or school voucher. Credit card payments can also be made online. Early registration is recommended. Class sizes are limited.

Art workshops offered this year are Breakdown Printing with Lynn Verschoor and Black Light Art with Bob H. Miller for one credit each. Educators may take one or both workshops.Oil Painting along the Mickelson Trail with Gary Steinleyand Rhythms and Cultures: Building Bridges for Successwith Gloria Brandt Harrison are two credit workshops and cannot be combined with any other workshops.

AEI is sponsored by the South Dakota Arts Council, South Dakotans for the Arts and SD Alliance for Arts Education.

South Dakotans for the Arts and the SD Alliance for Arts Education are supported with funds from the State of South Dakota, The National Endowment for the Arts, and private contributions from organizations, individuals and businesses. The Alliance for Arts Education is a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network.

Variations on a Theme: One of a Kind Prints

2010-04-25T18:13:00.001-07:00

For: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yankton Area Arts

665-9754

Yankton Area Arts is pleased to announce the exhibition entitled “Variations on a Theme: One of Kind Prints,” featuring printmaker Susan Heggestad of Vermillion, SD. Susan is a non-traditional printmaker and her art represents some of the finest examples one-of-a-kind mixed media prints. Variations on a Theme: One of Kind Prints will be on display at the G.A.R. Hall Art gallery from April 30 through June 15, 2010.

On the evening of April 30, Yankton Area Arts will host a reception for Ms. Heggestad beginning at 5:00pm at the G.A.R. Hall Art Gallery. The reception is open to the public and everyone is invited to take this opportunity to meet artist and visit with Susan about her work. The gallery talk will begin shortly after 5:30pm and all ages are encouraged to attend. Viewers visiting the gallery during this exhibit are in for a rare treat of visually engaging prints representing endless variations on a theme.

The G.A.R. Hall Art Gallery and Yankton Area Arts are located at 508 Douglas. The gallery is open to the public free of charge from 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information call 665-9745, email Pam@YanktonAreaArts.org or see www.YanktonAreaArts.org.

USD International Film Series Presents: Mumbai Meri Jaan

2010-03-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 31^st, 8:00pm

Mumbai Meri Jaan (India, 2008, 132 minutes), Farber Hall, 8pm

On July 11, 2006 the local train service, known as Mumbai's lifeline, was struck by a series of bomb blasts. Bombay Meri Jaan explores the impact of this devastating incident on the lives of the people of Mumbai. From a brilliant broadcast journalist to a patriotic corporate man; from a retiring policeman at the twilight of his life to a rookie cop at the dawn of his career; from an angry and xenophobic unemployed young man to a coffee-vendor struggling to survive and belong: Mumbai Meri Jaan follows the lives of people from all strata of Mumbai's bustling society as they tackle the aftermath of a fatal incident that brings out the best and sometimes the worst in them.

St. Patty's Day Celebration

2010-03-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Wednesday), come celebrate St. Patty's Day at the Washington St Arts Center, from 5-8 pm! Food, music, and drinks will be served, and the community is welcome to come check out an art display and get involved!

Heather Bal and Cody Spiegel's USD Student Art Exhibit

2010-03-16T09:24:00.001-07:00

On March 26, Heather Bal and Cody Spiegel will display an art show upstairs at the Washington St Arts Center, 202 Washington St., Vermillion, SD. Show should begin around 8pm and last until 10pm.

Mighty Mo Photo Show 2010: "Through the Seasons"

2010-03-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

For: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yankton Area Arts

605-665-9754

Yankton Area Arts is pleased to announce the 2010 theme selected for the Mighty Mo Photo Show. This year’s theme is “Through the Seasons”. The Mighty Mo Photo Show is an area photographic competition designed to compliment Yankton’s Annual Riverboat Days celebration and to encourage and recognize the talents of area photographers. You are invited to participate. The exhibit will run from July 28 through Sept 7.

Eligibility and Requirements:

l Open to all photographers living within a sixty mile radius of Yankton

l All photographic media, techniques and styles accepted

l Entries must relate to the exhibition theme: Through the Seasons

l All entries must be framed, wired for hanging and labeled with the artist's name, address, title of work and sale price

l Artists may enter up to four photographs in the competition

l Accepted works will not be withdrawn from the exhibition before the show ends

For further details please go to www.YanktonAreaArts.org or call Yankton Area Arts at 605-665-9754.

Yankton Area Arts hosts 2010 Summer Arts Festival, August 20-22

2010-02-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

February 2, 2010

For: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yankton Area Arts

Yankton Area Arts will host the 2010 Summer Arts Festival on August 20-22. This event is one of Yankton’s primary celebrations of the arts. The annual event will take place along the Missouri River at Riverside Park in conjunction with Riverboat Days.

The Summer Arts Festival will showcase professional artists and fine craftsmen, from across the states. Applications to become an art vendor are currently available at www.YanktonAreaArts.org or by contacting the office at 605.665.9754. The application deadline is March 1, 2010.

Yankton Art House Gallery Hosting Valentine's Day Poetry Competition

2010-02-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Jake Kidney, director of The Art House Gallery in Yankton, is putting together a poetry reading competition. The prizes won't be large (1st prize is a free night at the Best Western Kelly Inn in Yankton), and he's interested in newbie writers, especially high school students and college students.

The event is on Valentines Day. Entries are $5 a person and they're due by Feb 12. Late entries will be accepted up until the reading starts, but their entry fee will be $10.

He's not looking for slam stuff so much as sonnets and other love poems. He'd like the event to be more of a celebration of Valentine's Day.

If you're interested in participating, email Jake or check the website.

Janet Jensen Artwork Display, February 1 - March 31

2010-01-31T14:23:00.001-08:00

January 26, 2010

For: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yankton Area Arts

665-9754

Yankton artist, Janet Jensen, will display her artwork at the W. H. Over Museum in Vermillion, S.D., from February 1 through March 31, 2010. The exhibition, titled “Spearfish Canyon: First Impressions” will feature 24 pastel paintings of the beautiful Spearfish Canyon in fall color. Her paintings depict the colorful aspens, hiking paths, waterfalls and streams with lichen-covered rocks all under a canopy of autumn hues. The opening reception for the show will be Saturday, February 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. and Jensen will give a talk about her work. The event is free and open to the public.

The W. H. Over Museum is located at 1110 Ratingen Street, on the campus of the University of South Dakota, next to the Dakota Dome. Hours of the Museum are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 605/677-5228.

Yankton Area Arts presents "Collaborationism"

2010-01-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

January 19, 2010

For: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yankton Area Arts

665-9754

On Saturday, January 23 Yankton Area Arts will be hosting a reception and gallery talk for our current exhibition entitled “Collaborationism”. This exhibit features the works of USD Art Chair Cory Knedler and Sioux City Art Center Curator Shannon Sargent. The reception is open to the public and everyone is invited to take this opportunity to meet artists and visit with them about their work.

The doors open at 1:00pm with the gallery talk beginning shortly after; all ages are encouraged to attend. Viewers visiting the gallery during this exhibit are in for a rare treat with visually engaging and inventive mixed media works.

Board of Directors

2010-01-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

VAAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Position	Director
President	Norma Wilson
Vice President	Susan Heggestad
Secretary	Janet Beeman
Treasurer	Dennis Johnson
Arts Education Chair	Noah Iacino
Events Chair	Virginia P. Johnson
Marketing Chair	Micah Wonnenberg
Building Committee Chair	Geoffrey Gray-Lobe
Membership Committee Chair	Rebecca Gehm

Become a Member

2010-01-12T13:08:00.001-08:00

As of August 7th 2008 all new memberships are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Please check one
[ ] High school student $ 5
[ ] University Student $ 10
[ ] Artist $15
[ ] Senior Citizen (55+) $ 25
[ ] Individual $ 30
[ ] Family $ 40
[ ] Patron $ 55
[ ] Business Sponsor $120
[ ] Benefactor $250
[ ] Angel $500

Name:___________________________________

_________________________________________

Email:____________________________________

Address:_________________________________

_________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ___________________________

_________________________________________

Phone: (Day) _____________________________

(Evening) _____________________________

Checks may be made out to "VAAC"

Our mailing address is

Vermillion Area Arts Council

P. O. Box 484, Vermillion, SD 57069

Education

2010-01-12T13:07:00.001-08:00

The VAAC Sponsors a variety of classes and educational events held throughout the year, both at the WSAC and throughout the community. As classes and events are added look here for information.

Member Survey Report

2009-11-17T16:35:00.001-08:00

Here is a link to the results of the Member Survey Report (pdf).

Welcome to the Vermillion Area Arts Council!

2009-11-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Vermillion Area Arts Council is a non-profit organization that encourages, assists, and coordinates activities related to the arts and humanities in the Vermillion area in order to involve the arts and humanities pervasively in the life of the community.

Our main goals are to play a central role in the development of the arts in the Vermillion area and make art a part of all segments of the community, encouraging both participation and appreciation.

The Vermillion Area Arts Council incorporated in 1974, and in 1977 the VAAC became a non-profit organization. In 1990 the VAAC purchased its present home, the former St. Agnes Catholic Church at 202 Washington Street, and it became the Washington Street Arts Center. In 1995 the WSAC was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The VAAC hosts art exhibits, children’s and adult's art classes, music concerts, dance performances, literary readings, dramatic events, and film showings. The group also fosters arts education and art appreciation in area schools. The organization’s signature events, such as the “Chili Blues” chili competition and the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, celebrate food and music and take place at the Washington Street Arts Center.

The VAAC plays dual roles in the community as an arts council and care taker of a 100-year-old building. Over the years thousands of volunteers have made our programming possible and helped with extensive renovation of the arts center. Current funding sources include annual memberships, the City of Vermillion, the United Way of Vermillion, the Vermillion Area Community Foundation, and private donors.

There are plenty of opportunities to be a part of the Vermillion Area Arts Council – through membership, volunteering, and larger gifts. This is your arts council and community arts center. Your involvement is essential because everyone benefits when local arts flourish!

Vermillion Area Arts Council

BILL MIZE TO PLAY FARBER HALL ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 21st

Let's Celebrate Art for Peace and Justice in 2012

Crimson Door Holiday Gift Show!

Sharing the Arts This Holiday Season

International Songwriting Competition "Unsigned Only" Competition

Time to Clear Garden Plots!

Occupy Washington St on Saturday!

Occupy Event Saturday in Vermillion

The Arts of October and Chili Blues

VAAC Annual Meeting this Saturday!

Creative writing camp for high school students at USD Sept. 24

Important Songwriting Press Release For South Dakota Friends of Traditional Music

What's New With Vermillion Area Arts?

We Couldn't Do Art Without You!

The Bizarre Bazaar & Other Happenings

Community Garden Work Day May 14

The Work of Community Artists and Our Works of Art

JazzFest Call For Graphic Artists

April’s Youthful Art

Women in the Arts Celebration, 3/24

St. Patty's Day Celebration & Other Upcoming Events

"Nurturing Young Artists"

Drawing Games with Ms. Paige

Art for Peace Exhibit Update

Beufords Country Fun Time Job, A Sculptural Event TONITE 12/10!

VAAC Upcoming Events

"River, Mound, Prairie, Sky: Visual Art and Poetry Celebrating Our Natural Environment" Dec. 4 & 5

Symbiosis Art Festival

Community Garden Work Day!

the community garden's first Saturday work day will be this Saturdaythe 8th. There will be a work day every other Saturday after this. Also, tools will be available in theshed from here on out. starting at 10:00am for about four hours.

Memoirs Writing Workshop

11th Annual Arts Education Institute

Variations on a Theme: One of a Kind Prints

USD International Film Series Presents: Mumbai Meri Jaan

St. Patty's Day Celebration

Heather Bal and Cody Spiegel's USD Student Art Exhibit

Mighty Mo Photo Show 2010: "Through the Seasons"

Yankton Area Arts hosts 2010 Summer Arts Festival, August 20-22

Yankton Art House Gallery Hosting Valentine's Day Poetry Competition

Janet Jensen Artwork Display, February 1 - March 31

Yankton Area Arts presents "Collaborationism"

Board of Directors

Become a Member

As of August 7th 2008 all new memberships are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Education

Member Survey Report

Welcome to the Vermillion Area Arts Council!

the community garden's first Saturday work day will be this Saturday
the 8th. There will be a work day every other Saturday after this. Also, tools will be available in the
shed from here on out. starting at 10:00am for about four hours.