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The South ��ֱ���� Art Museum is celebrating the people and collections that made the museum possible with a summerlong exhibit and a reception planned for early August. 

“The Founding Gifts” opened March 29 and is on display at the museum on the South ��ֱ���� State University campus through Sept. 21. A reception to highlight the exhibit is planned for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 8. The event is free and open to the public. 

The exhibit — featured in three parts — celebrates the vision, generosity and enduring impact of the individuals and organizations whose contributions formed the heart of the South ��ֱ���� Art Museum’s collection. These early gifts reflect a deep belief in the power to inspire creativity, connect people and enrich lives through art.  

Through the work of artist Harvey Dunn, the South ��ֱ���� General Federation of Women’s Clubs and Congressman Benjamin “Ben” Reifel, this exhibition honors the legacies that helped shape the museum and the cultural landscape of South ��ֱ����. 

In 1950, South ��ֱ���� native Dunn returned home to exhibit a selection of his paintings in De Smet, illustrating scenes of the state’s homesteading era and drawing from his celebrated career during the Golden Age of Illustration. That same year, Dunn donated many of these works to South ��ֱ���� State College (now SDSU), establishing what would become the museum’s foundational collection. “The Founding Gifts” recreates this historic exhibition, accompanied by other artworks that highlight Dunn’s enduring influence. 

The South ��ֱ���� General Federation of Women’s Clubs — a branch of the national nonpartisan, nonsectarian women’s organization founded in the 1890 to promote civic improvement through volunteer service — played a pivotal role in advocating for a statewide appreciation of the arts. Members curated and shared a traveling collection of paintings, drawings and prints with communities across the state. 

In 1940, members proposed the creation of a permanent art museum. By 1950, a resolution to build such a museum was officially adopted, and ultimately SDSU was chosen as the site due to its connection to Dunn. The group led fundraising efforts and championed the museum’s vision, donating its art collection in 1970 to help establish the museum’s regional, national and international collections. Its support was instrumental in bringing the museum to life. 

Reifel, the first Lakota person elected to the U.S. Congress and a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, was also a champion of the arts. In 1977, the South ��ֱ���� State College alum, who remained deeply connected to the university, loaned his personal collection of Plains art to the museum, founding its first Native American collection. These works, many with personal significance, were later donated by his family to form a lasting legacy. 

Together, these founding gifts honor the past while continuing to inspire future generations. South ��ֱ���� Art Museum director Donna Merkt said each piece in “The Founding Gifts” carries not just artistic value, but the imprint of those who made its presence here possible. 

“Though art is a reflection of humanity, it is too often separated from its original context once it enters a museum. Preserving artwork and objects is vital — but preserving and sharing the stories behind them is equally important. That context deepens the experience, helping visitors connect with the art on a more human level,” Merkt said. 

The idea for the exhibit began with a conversation about Dunn’s original gift of art to SDSU. 

“As we approached the 75th anniversary of that moment, our curatorial team began discussing a commemorative exhibition. The concept quickly expanded as we reflected on other foundational contributions — gifts rooted not in wealth or prestige, but in a shared belief in the power of art to educate, honor and connect. The South ��ֱ���� Art Museum was founded with education at its core. That origin story, and the generosity behind it, felt especially meaningful to honor,” Merkt said. 

Admission to the museum is free for all. 

The South ��ֱ���� Art Museum is located at 1036 Medary Ave. in Brookings. Visitor parking is also free in the museum’s reserved lot just west of the museum on Harvey Dunn Street. For more information, visit the museum’s website or call at 605-688-5423.