Sioux Falls, SD (12/2/2025) —The Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion is bringing new holiday energy to its galleries with an exhibition that taps into one of the most beloved stories of the season. As Sioux Falls gets ready to welcome Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musicalthis December, visitors can dive into the artwork that first shaped the Grinch’s world.

Now on view in Gallery 301, “From Whoville to Your TV: The Art of the Grinch” features original production cels, concept sketches and drawings from the 1966 animated special created by master animator Chuck Jones. Drawn from the collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa, the exhibition offers a close look at the expressive animation and handcrafted detail that brought the Grinch, the Whos and Whoville to life.

“Seeing these original cels in person brings a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind a story so many of us grew up with,” says Jana Anderson, Lead Curator for Washington Pavilion Management Inc. “Sharing this work during the same season the Broadway production comes to Sioux Falls makes the experience even more special. It connects the nostalgia of the original animation with the excitement of seeing the Grinch on stage.”

A public reception will take place December 6 from 1–3 p.m., and collectors Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa will be in attendance to share insights from decades of preserving this remarkable body of work.

Visitors can also explore ongoing exhibitions across the Visual Arts Center featuring contemporary, emerging and historical work. Exhibition details and museum admission are available at WashingtonPavilion.org/Art.

As the story moves from the gallery to the stage, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical arrives December 23–27. Tickets are already in high demand, and guests are encouraged to secure their seats early for this holiday favorite at WashingtonPavilion.org.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)
Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration, arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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Sioux Falls, SD (11/25/2025) — Due to strong early ticket demand, the Washington Pavilion has added an extra performance of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical on Saturday, December 27 at 5 p.m. This newly added show expands the engagement to a total of ten performances as part of the 2025–26 Pavilion Performance Series.

“We knew this show would resonate with families across the region, but the response has exceeded our expectations,” says Bob Wendland, Director of Performances for Washington Pavilion Management Inc. “Adding another performance gives even more people the chance to make this musical part of their holiday tradition. It’s colorful, heartwarming and truly magical to experience together.”

Audiences will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life live on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” THE GRINCH discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming GRINCH, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.

THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. Since then, more than 2.5 million theatergoers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which Gannett hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.” 

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book. Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason’s music and book breathe new life into this timeless story.

The 2025 production is directed by Matt August and co-directed and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by 4-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien.

For more information about Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Washington Pavilion, visit WashingtonPavilion.org or call 605-367-6000. For additional information on the production, please visit GrinchMusical.com.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)
Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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Sioux Falls, SD (11/24/2025) — The Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion invites the community to experience “Through Their Eyes,” a cross-cultural exhibition featuring artwork created by children from Sioux Falls and from regions of Ethiopia affected by conflict. Curated by Ethiopian American artist Eyob Mergia, the exhibition reveals how drawing becomes a universal language children use to express memory, fear, imagination and hope.

The gallery includes hundreds of drawings that explore the contrast between peace and instability. Students from Susan B. Anthony and Eugene Field Elementary Schools created artwork that reflects daily life, friendship and joyful moments. Children in Ethiopia contributed drawings shaped by their lived experiences of displacement and uncertainty. Together, the works form a powerful conversation about resilience and the emotional clarity children bring to their surroundings.

A new video released for the exhibition features Mergia, local educators and participating students. Their reflections provide deeper context for the project and highlight how art can help children process what they cannot always express in words.

“‘Through Their Eyes’ gives our community a chance to see how children understand their world through drawing,” says Jana Anderson, Lead Curator for the Visual Arts Center. “The artwork is honest and revealing. It shows the contrast between peace and conflict with a clarity only children can offer. We’re grateful to share this exhibition and the video that deepens the story behind it.”

“Through Their Eyes” is on view through January 4 in the Visual Arts Center. Visitors are encouraged to watch the accompanying video and explore the exhibition before it closes. For more exhibition information, visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Art.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)
Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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Sioux Falls, SD (11/10/2025) — The Washington Pavilion has announced revised performance dates for the highly anticipated Broadway production of MOULIN ROUGE! The Musical. The show will now run February 11–15, 2026, rather than the previously scheduled February 24–March 1, 2026.

The touring company has revised its national schedule to accommodate a scheduling conflict. All ticketholders will retain their same seat locations, though their performance date will shift accordingly. Updated tickets will appear automatically in the 3eEncore app beginning Monday, November 10.

Guests with questions may contact Washington Pavilion Guest Services at 605-367-6000.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)
Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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Sioux Falls, SD (07/30/25) Raise a glass to creativity during the Downtown Sioux Falls Art & Wine Walk on Friday, August 1, as the Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion joins in the celebration with extended hours, featured artists and new exhibitions. This community-wide event pairs perfectly with our own Free First Friday, offering free museum admission from 5–8 p.m. and an evening filled with wine tasting, local art and cultural connection.

Guests are invited to explore eight dynamic galleries, featuring everything from bold new sculptures to deeply personal reflections on history and transformation. Along the way, meet exhibiting artists, soak in the downtown energy and discover how the Pavilion continues to be a hub for connection and creativity.

“Free First Friday and the Art & Wine Walk together create a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere,” says Jana Anderson, Lead Curator of the Visual Arts Center. “We love seeing people connect with the art, with the artists and with each other. It’s a beautiful reflection of the creative spirit in our community.”

What’s New in the Galleries:

The Journey: Artwork by David Sieh | Shultz Gallery | Now–December 5, 2025
This retrospective spans 20 years of artistic exploration, blending meditative brushwork with bursts of scientific inspiration. Sieh’s ever-evolving process celebrates experimentation and a lifelong dedication to growth.

Lore: Artwork by Cameron Stalheim | Contemporary Gallery | Now – January 2, 2026
A meditation on transformation. Through shifting forms and unstable materials, Stalheim’s sculptures explore the evolving human body — never fixed, always becoming.

Through Their Eyes: Children’s Art in Times of War and Peace | Jerstad Gallery | Now – January 4, 2026
Artist Eyob Mergia weaves a powerful visual dialogue between two distant worlds, placing his vibrant paintings alongside drawings by children from war-torn Ethiopia and peaceful Sioux Falls. Through raw line and vivid color, these young artists speak of trauma, memory and joy — sharing a universal language that transcends borders, conflict and time.

54 Seasons of Storytelling: Celebrating Prairie Repertory Theatre | University Gallery | Now – January 5, 2026
For more than five decades, Prairie Repertory Theatre has brought stories to life across South Dakota. This retrospective celebrates 54 seasons of collaboration, risk-taking and stage magic — through costume sketches, archival video, behind-the-scenes materials and more.

All eight galleries of the Visual Arts Center are included with free admission on August 1. Whether you’re discovering your new favorite artist or enjoying a summer night downtown, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the Pavilion in a new light.

In addition to the Visual Arts Center, Alcove, our curated retail design store located in the Steel District, will also be a featured stop on the Art & Wine Walk. While it’s a short distance from the Pavilion, it’s well worth the visit for those looking to explore even more local creativity during the event.

For more information on current exhibitions, visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Art.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)
Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration, arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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