December 11, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — The Washington Pavilion’s Visual Arts Center proudly presents “Heartland Horizons,” a new exhibition now open in the Bates Trimble Gallery. Showcasing 30 talented artists from across the region, this exhibition explores the rich and dynamic essence of the Heartland — not just as a geographic region but as a blend of values, traditions and stories that define its spirit.

“The Heartland is more than just a collection of states. It’s a shared identity, a vibrant community and a living history,” says Jana Anderson, Lead Curator of the Visual Arts Center. “Through an open call for art, we connected with diverse artists whose works reflect the landscapes, people, history and aspirations of this region. With over 90 submissions, this exhibition showcases the amazing talents of local creators as well as artists from nearby states like Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois and Minnesota!”

Featured Regional Artists Include:

Roberta Barnes
Susan Bell
Michael Brown
Keith Buswell
Sarah Peak Convery
Judy DeBoer
Rodger Ellingson
Alexa Ensz
Rachel Funk
Carol Geu
Megan Hammer
Pat Hansen
Susan Haygood
Russell Horton
Janice Johnson
Jeanette Johnson
Karen Kinder
Epiphany Knedler
Greg Latza
Curt Lund
Christine May
Sarah Mulder
Phyllis Packard
Aaron Packard
Audrey Powles
Gary Steinley
Susan Thelen
Judy Thompson
E Wieser
Jean Zaldivar

The Washington Pavilion’s Visual Arts Center, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is dedicated to building, preserving and conserving its collections for both South Dakotans and worldwide audiences. It is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon–5 p.m.

“Heartland Horizons” invites the public to celebrate the creativity and stories of some of our region’s most talented artists. Visit the Bates Trimble Gallery to immerse yourself in this inspiring showcase of Heartland artistry. An artist reception is planned for Thursday, April 10, at 6 p.m. in the gallery space. Join us in celebration of this beautiful exhibition, meet the artists and view the diverse range of works in the other seven galleries as well.

For additional information or to reserve your museum admission online, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Art.

October 2, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — Alcove, the Washington Pavilion’s new artisan retail store in Downtown Sioux Fall Steel District, is excited to announce its grand opening celebrations on October 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Following a successful soft opening earlier this summer, the store is ready to welcome the community to join in the festivities.

“We are thrilled to host this two-day celebration filled with fantastic shopping opportunities and a chance to explore our space and offerings in an engaging and unique way,” said Meghan Knight, Retail Operations Manager of Alcove. “Alcove serves as a true extension of the Washington Pavilion’s mission, and we are excited to embody that through our inventory, art, events and more! Be sure to join us for the grand opening fun!”

During the grand opening, visitors can enjoy refreshments, light appetizers, giveaways and exclusive deals. The first 50 customers each day will also receive a free gift with their purchase, making this a not-to-be-missed event for art, design and shopping enthusiasts.

Developed by the Washington Pavilion as an extension of their mission to deliver memorable experiences that entertain, educate and enrich, Alcove is a vibrant hub for exploring art and design-inspired products. In addition to offering a unique retail experience, the space will also host community and art-related events, promising to be a dynamic and enriching addition to the area.

An official ribbon cutting event will take place at Alcove (151 E. 4th Pl. #180) on October 24 at 4:30 p.m. The media is invited to attend. For more information, please visit AlcoveSF.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram at @ShopAlcoveSF.

September 24, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — As part of an ongoing commitment to inspire young theatre artists in the Sioux Falls area, the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) is proud to announce its rebrand as Spotlight Theatre Company. This exciting new name better reflects the organization’s mission to foster talent, creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

Since its inception, DAPA has been a cornerstone of performing arts education in the community, providing youth ages 6–18 with opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence and collaborate with peers and professionals. The rebrand to Spotlight Theatre Company marks the next chapter in this legacy, shining a light on the outstanding talent and passion of its students.

“Our goal has always been to help young artists practice perfect, play hard and perform better than they ever thought they could,” says Bob Wendland, Assistant Director of Performances for Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. “With this new identity, we continue to support and elevate youth in the arts, while signaling to the community that the spotlight is truly on these remarkable young artists.”

Spotlight Theatre Company will continue to offer the high-quality programs and productions that have become synonymous with the DAPA name, all while expanding its reach and impact in the Sioux Falls area and beyond. Whether your passion lies in acting, technical production, stage management or another area of theatre, Spotlight Theatre Company will meet you where you are and help you grow.

Spotlight Theatre Company’s fall season single ticket on-sale is this Friday, September 27, at 10 a.m. Disney’s FINDING NEMO Jr. will take place October 24–27 at the Orpheum Theater Center, MEAN GIRLS Jr. on November 14–17 at the Orpheum and A KID’S CHRISTMAS CAROL on December 6–7 in the Belbas Theater. Visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Spotlight to purchase your tickets and stay up to date on new youth theatre opportunities and upcoming shows.

September 16, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Brand as its new Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Brand will be responsible for advancing the organization’s business and financial strategy to ensure continued growth and success.

“Throughout his career, Nathan has consistently demonstrated strong business acumen and an analytical mindset, identifying key performance trends and business opportunities. His hands-on leadership style, combined with his strategic planning abilities, have been instrumental in driving growth in his previous roles. We are excited about the contributions he will make to our future and ongoing success,” says Darrin Smith, President and CEO.

Nathan brings a wealth of experience and expertise, with more than 13 years in health care finance at Avera and Sanford, including seven years as a Finance Director, where he successfully led teams through complex financial landscapes.

“I am thrilled to join Washington Pavilion Management, Inc., an organization with an incredible mission to enrich lives through arts, education, science and entertainment. As a long-standing cultural leader and cherished institution in our community, the organization’s impact is truly remarkable. I look forward to contributing to its financial strength and sustainability and supporting its continued growth for years to come,” says Brand.

Jane Hathaway, who has served the Washington Pavilion in Finance for more than a quarter century, is transitioning out of the role in preparation for her retirement. Brand will have the benefit of working closely with her over an extended period, as she will now be Controller for the organization. In this role, and as part of the transition, Hathaway will focus on providing Brand with key insights regarding financial matters, processes, ongoing projects and key stakeholder relationships.

“Jane has been an invaluable member of our organization, and her dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to our success. Nobody is more committed to our mission, and nobody has worked harder over the past 25+ years than Jane Hathaway,” says Smith. “I want to thank Jane for her many years of dedicated service and her willingness to give us additional time to help prepare a new CFO and the organization for the future.”

Brand’s role will include financial oversight of WPMI as well as its DBA and subset brand identity 3e Encore. He has a Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of South Dakota and is a native of Brandon, S.D.

September 10, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — The Washington Pavilion is delighted to announce the season two lineup for its local performance series, Live & Local. This series includes monthly performances showcasing local talent, including singers, dancers, comedians, actors, musicians, artists and more. All performances will take place at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, October through April, at the Washington Pavilion’s Belbas Theater or Schulte Room.

“As we embark on our second season of Live & Local, our excitement only grows. This series has become a cornerstone for featuring the diverse and vibrant talents within our community,” says Bob Wendland, Assistant Director of Performances at the Washington Pavilion. “We are proud to continue offering a platform where local artists can shine, bringing their unique voices and performances to a larger audience.”

2024–25 Live & Local Series

October 17, 2024
Fear Falls Radio Theatre – Radio Theatre
Bangers & Mash – Rock/Heavy Pop

November 21, 2024
Jeff Thomson – Rock Singer-Songwriter
Chewy Rodriguez – Folk/Pop/Alternative Country

December 19, 2024
Curious Music Collective – Immersive Performance with Music, Poetry and Dance

January 16, 2025
The Good Night Theatre Collective and Fellowship Jazz Center – Jazz/Blues/Broadway-Style Vocals

February 20, 2025
Creating in Color – Cabaret-Style Musical Theatre
Improv Falls – Improv Comedy

March 20, 2025
Analisa Marie – Country Singer-Songwriter
Lady & the Hound Dawgs – Country/Rock

April 17, 2025
Janice Gilbert – Country/Americana/Folk
LiRa Dance Theatre Company – Theatrics and Contemporary Choreography

The series will kick off on October 17 with Fear Falls Radio Theatre and Bangers & Mash. The evening will begin with a spine-chilling performance from Fear Falls Radio Theatre, bringing classic suspense stories to life through a small ensemble of actors, expertly reading from scripts and creating immersive sound effects. To follow, Bangers & Mash will deliver an upbeat, fun and danceable rock and pop concert, perfect for all ages!

Tickets for all seven dates go on sale this Friday, September 13, at 10 a.m. at the affordable price of just $20 each plus tax or purchase a subscription at $70 for tickets to all seven performances at a 50% discount. Visit WashingtonPavilion.org/LiveandLocal to view the full performance lineup and additional details, as well as purchase tickets on Friday.

July 10, 2023
Sioux Falls, SD — Aerostar, a world leader in the design and manufacture of technical aerospace and defense solutions, has agreed to sponsor programming and create an enhanced experience for visitors of the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium. As programming collaboration begins with Aerostar, the goal will be to provide visitors of all ages with an upgraded opportunity to explore the marvels of the universe and beyond.

“Aerostar is excited to partner with the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium to inspire wonder and awe about our universe. For more than 65 years Aerostar has taken lighter-than-air innovation to all-new heights right here in Sioux Falls, leveraging the most brilliant minds, materials and technology to connect, protect and save lives,” says Jim Nelson, President of Aerostar. “At Aerostar, we believe not even the sky is the limit! This collaboration is one of the ways Aerostar demonstrates our commitment to make a difference in our community and nurture future generations to pursue careers in the aerospace industry.”

Visitors can look forward to more immersive, awe-inspiring programs and experiences including:

• Stargazing date nights for the couple looking for a unique outing.
• Live space launch viewings for the curious explorer-at-heart.
• Thought-provoking discussions on our place in the universe.
• Opportunities for children and adults alike to learn about space and space exploration.

“We are so grateful for Aerostar’s investment and programming partnership with the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium, and we are excited to see visitors of all ages embark on a new journey of space exploration and more with the reopening later this summer,” says Madelyn Grogan, Director of Education, Programming and Exhibits at the Washington Pavilion. “This collaboration will truly enrich the experience of this longtime favorite feature of the Washington Pavilion.”

The sponsorship agreement is valued at $30,000 over a three-year timeframe, including funding for a launch event in September offering admission to the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium, Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center at no cost. Further details on the free admission day will be announced soon!

For additional information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Planetarium.

About Aerostar

Aerostar is dedicated to connecting, protecting and saving lives through its work as an Aerospace and Defense provider. Aerostar’s core product offerings include stratospheric platforms, radar, perception sensors, technical services and protective wear. From engineering services to mission planning and support, research and design,

and the development of advanced technical products, Aerostar offers tailored turnkey solutions for a multitude of successful operations. Visit Aerostar for more information.

July 1, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — The Washington Pavilion is excited to announce the launch of enhanced museums membership levels featuring updated names and exciting new benefits, effective July 1, 2024. These changes are designed to provide both new and existing members with an enriched museums experience, including options for unlimited planetarium films.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our revamped membership options, offering more value than ever before,” says Cameron Ostrom, Director of Sales and Administration. “These updates cater to diverse needs and interests, ensuring that every member can make the most of their museum experience.”

New Memberships Include:

Wander Membership (Membership for One): Newly added for solo enthusiasts who want to enjoy all the perks of membership. Provides discounted admission for other guests and access to the full range of membership benefits.
Explore Membership (Membership for Two): Ideal for couples, parent/child or grandparent/child. Provides discounted admission for other guests and access to the full range of membership benefits.
Discover Membership (Household): Includes two adults and all members of the household, including all children under 18. Provides access to the full range of membership benefits.
In addition, members can now enhance their experience with a new Unlimited Planetarium Films Add-On, offering unlimited access to film showings at the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium, further enriching their visit.

Don’t forget that all Washington Pavilion memberships provide free or discounted admission to over 400 museums world-wide through the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) passport program, exclusive members-only events, the ability to purchase performance tickets to select shows before the public and more!

For more information on these exciting updates and to purchase or upgrade your membership, visit WashingtonPavilion.com/Memberships.

June 27, 2023
New Regional Ticketing Clearinghouse Brings Tickets to Every Show at Your Favorite Venues All Into One Website

Sioux Falls, SD — Washington Pavilion Management, Inc., is launching a new regional ticketing clearinghouse where customers can find tickets to every show at all their favorite venues on one website. The new 3eEncore.com is the official ticket retailer for three venues: Washington Pavilion, Orpheum Theater Center and South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance.

“Washington Pavilion Management, Inc., the organization that manages the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center, has created a new brand identity: 3e Encore. The three E’s are tied to our mission of delivering memorable experiences that entertain, educate and enrich, and we want to deliver an encore-worthy experience to our customers and partners,” says Darrin Smith, President and CEO. “As our organization has grown to offer ticketing services to additional organizations and venues, we want to create some separation between our namesake facility and the management company to help eliminate customer confusion and expand our services.”

Ticket buyers can go to 3eEncore.com to purchase Sioux Falls event tickets from Washington Pavilion, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, The Premiere Playhouse, Good Night Theatre Collective, South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Lights Up!, Live on Stage, the Sioux Falls Municipal Band and Augustana University. The website features a sidebar that sorts shows by genre, venue, date and organization.

The project was a collaborative effort between Washington Pavilion Management, Inc., and two local companies, ADwerks and Hartman Technology, who have the creative talent and technical expertise to bring the idea to reality. SecuTix’s state-of-the-art software is the ticketing platform.

“We developed this website with the customer in mind, all in an effort to help them find live entertainment at their favorite venues all on one website,” says Christine Bruning, Director of Marketing and Guest Services. “The same ticketing platform that proved itself during the recent overwhelmingly popular Matt Rife on-sale is powering this website, so we know it will be an efficient website that enhances and streamlines our customers’ ticket purchasing experience.”

Coming soon, a digital wallet to keep all your tickets in one, convenient place—your smartphone—also will be unveiled.

“This will become the leading website for live entertainment in our region,” says Smith. “Washington Pavilion Management, Inc., is the live entertainment expert, and we are leveraging that expertise and our proven ticketing system to offer more clarity, simplicity and an improved experience for our customers at 3eEncore.com.”