Arts & Entertainment

91��Ƭ�� State University Announces Awards for 2026 McQuillen Creative Group Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:15:30 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Announces Awards for 2026 McQuillen Creative Group Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition

Desiree Kolb Thu, 03/19/2026 - 16:15

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University has announced the award recipients for the 2026 McQuillen Creative Group Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, an annual showcase celebrating student creativity and achievement in the visual arts.

Presented by 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Art Department and Art Galleries, the exhibition is held each year in Gallery X in the Johnson Fine Arts Center and highlights the work of student artists from across campus. In addition to showcasing student artwork, the exhibition recognizes outstanding pieces through a juried awards process led by a professional from the regional art community.

This year’s exhibition was juried by Liz Heeren, director of Ipso Gallery in Sioux Falls and a lecturer at the University of South Dakota. Awards were announced during a reception held March 6, 2026.

This year’s award recipients include:

First Place: Taylor Speidel
Second Place: Daria Poor
Third Place: Alicia Gedge
Honorable Mention: Rico Imus, Aly Lang and Riley Vraniak
President’s Award: Riley Vraniak
Provost’s Award: Taylor Speidel and Stephen Jewett Jr.
McQuillen Creative Group Award: Leo Beckler
NSU Foundation Award: Katie Kruger
Gallery Purchase Award: Ksenia Unser
Midwest Nice Art Award: Lawson Hansen
Faculty Merit Award: Emily Jensen
Salon des Refusés Best of Show: Ella Tuschen

Students whose work is featured in the exhibition are Anna Bain, Leo Beckler, Jensen Eckart, Alicia Gedge, Madelyn Haak, Lawson Hansen, Abigail Himmerich, Rico Imus, Emily Jensen, Stephen Jewett Jr., Katie Kruger, Maggie Kruger, Aly Lang, Heqiang Lin, Elias Londahl, Diane Mamgue Tassa, April Olson, Karli Olson, Delaynie Parker, Daria Poor, Kadence Rausch-Frank, Taylor Speidel, Jessel Stengel, Ella Tuschen, Ksenia Unser and Riley Vraniak.

The McQuillen Creative Group Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition will remain on view in Gallery X in the Johnson Fine Arts Center through March 27, 2026.

For more information, contact the School of Fine Arts Office at 605-626-2497.

91��Ƭ�� State University Music Department, Bethlehem Lutheran Church to Present 16th Annual Bach’s Lunch

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:24:01 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Music Department, Bethlehem Lutheran Church to Present 16th Annual Bach’s Lunch

Desiree Kolb Thu, 03/19/2026 - 09:24

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the 91��Ƭ�� State University Music Department will present the 16th Annual Bach’s Lunch at 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in the sanctuary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

The annual concert honors the 341st birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach and will feature keyboard, instrumental and choral works by the renowned composer. Following the concert, attendees are invited to stay for a fellowship lunch. There is no cost to attend.

The program will feature the 91��Ƭ�� State University Chamber Singers, along with performances by Dr. Allan Jacobson, Dr. Travis Netzer, students Emma Arp, Dylan Blair and Angel Olivo Porcayo, recent graduate Hannah Gasperich, Dr. William Wieland, and friend of the department Stuart Davidson.

Selections on the program will include Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D minor, BWV 851; Fantasia in G minor, BWV 542; Toccata in D minor, BWV 565; “Air on a G String,” BWV 1068; Prelude to Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010; Prelude to Cello Suite No. 2, BWV 1008; Bourrée II from English Suite No. 2, BWV 807; “Sicut locutus est” from Magnificat, BWV 243; and Ich lasse dich nicht, BWV Anh. 159.

Members of the 91��Ƭ�� State University Chamber Singers include:

Sopranos: Anna Bisbee, Columbia; Ember Geist, Roscoe; Carmen Huber, Aberdeen; Clara Kelm, Flandreau; Miranda Myers, Hartford; Everett Pitlick, Pierre; Cadance Tullis, Groton; and Cassie Webb, Aberdeen.

Altos: Emma Arp, Custer; Whitney Axtell, Mitchell; Abbigail Garrett, Webster; Anizye Grode, Streeter, N.D.; Kathryn Steger, Aberdeen; Devin Thielen, Volga; Olivia Vogt, Canby, Minn.; and Alanna Wiedrich, Roscoe.

Tenors: Brayden Cambier, Tea; Taye Cundiff, Aberdeen; Calcifera Fletcher, Aberdeen; Eli Houdyshell, Pierre; Angel Olivo Porcayo, Huron; Gerrit Peck, Sioux Falls; and Gavin Wollman, Mina.

Basses: Brody Hampl, Hastings, Minn.; Elijah Jackson, Spearfish; Isaac Johnson, Brandon; Ian Liebe, Milbank; Xavier Louis, Pierre; and Stephen Rowenhorst, Redfield.

For more information, contact the School of Fine Arts Office at 605-626-2497.

Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony to Present “Level Up” Pops Concert Feb. 28

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:46:21 +0000

Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony to Present “Level Up” Pops Concert Feb. 28

Desiree Kolb Mon, 02/23/2026 - 16:46

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony invites the community to the middle concert of its 2025-26 season at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater at 91��Ƭ�� State University. A pre-concert conversation is also scheduled from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Berggren Recital Hall.

Christopher Stanichar, director of the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony, will lead the orchestra. The concert, titled Level Up: An Epic Video Games Pops Concert, will transport the audience into the worlds of Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, World of Witchcraft and more.

Video game music has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating generations with epic themes and unforgettable melodies. By bringing this repertoire to the concert hall, the orchestra honors its artistry while inviting new audiences into the symphonic tradition.

The concert will also feature performances by student winners of this year’s 91��Ƭ�� State University Concerto/Aria Competition: Ember Geist, soprano, and Axton Johnson, trumpet.

Geist will sing Luigi Arditi’s “Il Bacio.” She is a junior at 91��Ƭ�� State University majoring in music education with a minor in musical theatre. She has been involved in musical theatre productions including The Sound of Music, where she played Sister Berthe. She is also involved in ensembles including Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Early Music Ensemble. Geist studies with Dr. Darci Bultema, professor of voice at 91��Ƭ�� State University.

Johnson is a sophomore at 91��Ƭ�� State University majoring in music education. He performs in major instrumental ensembles, including the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony, Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. He also serves as a NAfME mentor, AUCS student representative and fine arts senator for 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Student Government Association. Johnson studies with Dr. Grant Manhart, professor of trumpet at 91��Ƭ�� State University.

The concert will also feature the winner of the orchestra’s inaugural Battle for the Baton fundraising competition, where either Dan Cleberg or Travis Schaunaman will step to the podium and conduct a selection during the concert.

Celebrating its 106th season, the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony is the oldest continuous orchestra in South Dakota, attracting musicians from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and the surrounding area. Stanichar, assistant professor of music at 91��Ƭ�� State University, is the orchestra’s 17th conductor.

Ticket Information

All Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony tickets are general admission and will be available at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and 91��Ƭ�� State University faculty and staff. All students will be admitted free. The concert will be livestreamed on the 91��Ƭ�� State University Music Department Facebook page.

For more information, contact the 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497 or visit 91��Ƭ��.edu/artsnsu.

91��Ƭ�� State University, Aberdeen Central bands to present “Symphonic Colors”

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:09:00 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University, Aberdeen Central bands to present “Symphonic Colors”

Desiree Kolb Wed, 01/28/2026 - 14:09

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The 91��Ƭ�� State University Symphonic Band will team up with the Aberdeen Central High School Symphonic Band to present “Symphonic Colors” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Jewett Theater at the Johnson Fine Arts Center.

The concert will feature performances by the 91��Ƭ�� State University Symphonic Band, directed by Terry Beckler, with works by James Hosay, Percy Aldridge Grainger and Jocelyn Hagen. The program will also include performances by the Aberdeen Central High School Symphonic Band, directed by Jeremy Schutter, with works by LeAndre Benton, Ruth Brittin and Harry Carroll. The two bands will conclude the concert with a side-by-side performance of works by Karl King and Katahj Copley.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit 91��Ƭ��.edu/artsnsu or contact the 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.

Battle for the Baton set for Feb. 28 at 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:48:21 +0000

Battle for the Baton set for Feb. 28 at 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center

Desiree Kolb Fri, 01/09/2026 - 08:48

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University and the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony Advisory Board are launching the Battle for the Baton, a friendly fundraising competition where community donations count as votes and help determine who will take the podium as guest conductor during the Symphony’s 7:30 p.m. concert on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in the Jewett Theater inside 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center.

This year’s contestants are Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman and community champion Dan Cleberg. Supporters can make a donation to vote for their preferred contestant, and the winner will conduct a musical selection during the Feb. 28 concert. Proceeds support ongoing performances and activities of the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in the Jewett Theater inside 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center. Tickets are general admission and available at the door only. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and 91��Ƭ�� State University faculty and staff; students are admitted free.

Those interested in voting can visit 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Battle for the Baton webpage and select either Team Schaunaman or Team Cleberg, with each dollar counting as a vote.

About the contestants: Cleberg is a local business owner and nonprofit director with a long history in the area music scene, including performing, hosting events and supporting community-based music efforts. Schaunaman serves as Aberdeen’s mayor and is also an entrepreneur with a background in creative work and community development.

To learn more, visit Battle for the Baton: 91��Ƭ��.edu/batonbattle, or contact the NSU School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.

91��Ƭ�� State University announces Concerto-Aria Competition winners

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:32:22 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University announces Concerto-Aria Competition winners

Desiree Kolb Thu, 12/04/2025 - 16:32

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University has announced soprano Ember Geist and clarinetist Alexander Trujillo as winners of the 2025-26 Concerto-Aria Competition, following an evening of outstanding performances by student musicians.

Geist, a member of the class of 2027 from Roscoe, South Dakota, is a student of Dr. Darci Bultema. She earned top honors with her performance of “Il bacio” by Luigi Adritti.

Trujillo, a member of the class of 2028 from Rapid City, South Dakota, studies clarinet with Dr. Audrey Miller. He was recognized for his performance of “Pink Ribbon for Susan” by composer Christopher Stanichar.

Trumpeter Axton Johnson received honorable mention in this year’s competition.

Event organizers noted that the outside panel of judges was highly impressed with the quality of 91��Ƭ�� State University student performances and faced a difficult decision in selecting winners from a particularly strong pool of candidates. As expressed by the judges and organizers, all participating students should feel proud of their performances, and many kudos were extended to both students and faculty for the high level of preparation and artistry displayed at the contest performance.

This year’s judges were Dr. Efraín Amaya of Minot State University and Dr. Anne Nash of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

As winners of the Concerto-Aria Competition, Geist and Trujillo will appear as soloists with the Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Jewett Auditorium on the 91��Ƭ�� State University campus.

For more information, contact the School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.

NSU Art Gallery presents ‘birdhaus’ exhibition in Gallery X

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:24:18 +0000

NSU Art Gallery presents ‘birdhaus’ exhibition in Gallery X

Desiree Kolb Wed, 12/03/2025 - 10:24

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The 91��Ƭ�� State University Art Gallery is pleased to present “birdhaus,” a collaborative student exhibition now on view in Gallery X in the Johnson Fine Arts Center.

“birdhaus” focuses on bird species native to northeastern South Dakota. As a collaboration between sculpture and graphic design students, participants were paired together and challenged to create a birdhouse, an informational poster and a tangible item representative of a single bird species. The project was conceptualized by Assistant Professor of 3D Media and Art Galleries Director Tim Rickett and Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Art History and Department Coordinator Epiphany Knedler.

The inspiration for “birdhaus” came from a unique project at the School of Visual Arts in New York City called Barkitecture. That temporary installation on Madison Avenue features photos of dogs alongside doghouses inspired by their names and breeds. With that model in mind—but focusing instead on the diverse bird species native to northeastern South Dakota—Rickett and Knedler developed “birdhaus.”

The exhibition’s title is a play on the traditional birdhouse as well as a nod to the Bauhaus, an influential art and design movement and school in early twentieth-century Germany. The project also highlights collaboration across disciplines, which is often overlooked, particularly between these two distinct mediums.

“Part of what I really enjoyed about the ‘birdhaus’ project was the amount of research we had to do for whichever bird we were working with,” said studio art junior Leo Beckler. “I think it allowed us to create more conceptual and overall fun sculptures instead of the basic things people usually think of when they think of a birdhouse.”

Students included in the exhibition are Leo Beckler, Hayden Erdmann, Alicia Gedge, Maddy Haak, Lawson Hansen, Emily Jensen, Aly Lang, Heqing Lin, Karli Olson, Delaynie Parker, Daria Poor, Taylor Speidel, Lexus Tjeerdsma, Taylor Tool and Ksenia Unser.

“birdhaus” will be on view through Feb. 20, 2026, in Gallery X in the Johnson Fine Arts Center.

For more information or questions, contact Epiphany Knedler at Epiphany.Knedler@91��Ƭ��.edu

91��Ƭ�� State University Winter Choral Concert set for Dec. 4

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:13:11 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Winter Choral Concert set for Dec. 4

Desiree Kolb Wed, 11/26/2025 - 15:13

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University will present its annual Winter Choral Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Kline St.

The performance will feature the 91��Ƭ�� State University Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Early Musick Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Timothy Woods.

The concert will open with the Concert Choir performing a South African piece that incorporates light choreography. The choir’s set will conclude with works from Mongolia and Scandinavia.

The Chamber Singers will follow with two of the “North Country Folk Songs” and a major work by composer Eric Whitacre.

The Early Musick Ensemble will present four pieces from the late 16th century, leading into the seasonal portion of the program. That portion will begin with two works the Chamber Singers will also perform at this year’s Christmas on the Prairie concert: Christ the Appletree by Scriven and O Magnum Mysterium by Hawley.

The Concert Choir will close the evening with a John Rutter piece celebrating food, the other setting of In the Bleak Midwinter, and Jeff Haskell’s arrangement of O Holy Night, featuring the seniors in the choir as soloists.

The event is free and open to the public, though donations will be accepted for the music scholarship fund.

The concert will also be livestreamed at facebook.com/MusicNSU/.

For more information, contact the 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.

91��Ƭ�� State University Hosts Statewide Art Conference

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:46:26 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Hosts Statewide Art Conference

Desiree Kolb Fri, 11/14/2025 - 13:46

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The 91��Ƭ�� State University Art Department hosted the 2025 South Dakota Art Education Association + South Dakota College Art Association State Conference Oct. 9–11 on campus.

The event welcomed around 100 art professionals and educators from across the state. More than 30 lectures and workshops focused on art techniques, concepts and pedagogy.

The keynote presentation was given by Mural On The Wall (OTW), a community-based mural team from Vermillion, South Dakota. The group’s core members, Amber Hansen and Reyna Hernandez, have collaborated since 2019 and have facilitated several mural projects in rural communities. Mural OTW works with community members to create murals that capture the essence of the communities where they are installed. Meetings are open to the public, and participation is encouraged.

Learn more about OTW’s work here.

Visiting Artists

The conference also hosted visiting artists Eli Kessler, Byron Banasiak, and John Banasiak through lectures and exhibitions.

Looking More or Less Like Some Thing is a solo exhibition by Eli Kessler in JFAC Gallery on view through December 15, 2025. The show features new sculptures exploring materials, processes and forms that connect past and contemporary art. Kessler, an associate professor of sculpture and expanded media at Kent State University, earned a BFA from Tyler School of Art at Temple University and an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Below the Sun and Moon: Days and Nights in South Dakota is a collaborative exhibition by Byron Banasiak and John Banasiak in Gallery X in the Johnson Fine Art Center. Byron Banasiak is a travel photographer and documentary filmmaker who serves as chief photographer and videographer for the South Dakota Department of Tourism. His work has been featured in the Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition and in a solo exhibition at the Washington Pavilion.
John Banasiak studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and teaches photography at the University of South Dakota. His work is held in the collections of the Walker Art Center, the South Dakota Art Museum and others.

Thank you to the NSU Foundation, the SOFA Friends of the Arts, South Dakota Art Education Association, and Dacotah Bank for their support. For more information about this and other art events, contact 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497, or visit 91��Ƭ��.edu/artsnsu.

Photo courtesy of Maggie Kruger

91��Ƭ�� State University Bands to Present ‘Discovery’ Concert

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 22:03:32 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Bands to Present ‘Discovery’ Concert

Desiree Kolb Fri, 11/07/2025 - 16:03

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University bands will present “Discovery” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, in the Johnson Fine Arts Center’s Jewett Theater.

The concert will feature performances by the Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. Audrey Miller, and the Concert Band, directed by Dr. Travis Netzer. The Symphonic Band will perform works by David Maslanka, Eric Whitacre, Erika Svanoe and John Mackey. The Concert Band will perform works by Richard Strauss, Julius Fucik, Claude Debussy, Steve Danyew and Randall Standridge.

All tickets are general admission and will be available at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and 91��Ƭ�� State University faculty and staff. 91��Ƭ�� students will be admitted free.

The concert will also be livestreamed on the NSU Music Department Facebook page.

For more information, visit 91��Ƭ��.edu/artsnsu or contact the NSU School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.