Artists of the Black Hills 12th Annual Exhibition

This past spring I applied to be part of the Artists of the Black Hills. This is "an organization of professional artists, artisans, and galleries who joined together with the common goal of presenting and promoting the Black Hills region as an art destination." 

Over 35 artists covering numerous mediums and styles are part of this group. Every year, for the past 12, the group exhibits at the Dahl Arts Center in downtown Rapid City. You will find this show in the Sen. Stan Adelstein & Lynda K. Clark Gallery. The exhibit will continue until September 9, 2017. Admission is free. 

I was able to attend the Artist Reception on June 30th with my daughter. It was so enjoyable to meet the other artists. 

I brought my camera with hopes of documenting the event but didn't bring it out until it was about over. Next year I hope to take photos of all the artists with their work. 

My three photographs consist of:

Buckaroo-12x18 Giclée Canvas wrap;  

Shadow's Silhouette-12x14 brushed metal print; and 

Brewing-12x18 Metallic Canvas Wrap. 

If you are interested in purchasing anyone of these photographs, please contact me directly (cristen@cristenjoyphotography.com) or visit the Dahl Arts Center.

This was my first time meeting most of the ABH members. I've known Kathy Sigle for a few years and she's the main reason I decided to join ABH. Ray Tysdal was a judge for the Dahl Mountain Photo Competition and his words about my piece that was chosen for Best of Show meant a great deal to me as I've admired his work for some time. 

BJ Stych sought me out, which I appreciated so much! I'm a bit shy when first meeting people and she put me at ease. I had already chosen her pieces as some of my favorites of the show and then to meet her was so enjoyable! (Also Erica Lane Harvey's triptych canvas wrap behind BJ is just beautiful, as is all of Erica's work!)

Bill Feterl's works are another favorite. My daughter especially enjoyed 'Buddies'. Bill was my first contact with ABH and has been so kind in the process of my acceptance into the organization.

 I met several other ABH members that night and look forward to knowing these regional artists more. The community of artists I've met over the past three years has been such a blessing to me! I am so grateful to have made friends with similar passions as mine.