ABERDEEN, S.D. – The South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) State Visual Arts Contest Gallery & Art Wars Competition will be held April 10-12 at the Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center.
The State Art Competition will be held at the ARCC in Aberdeen on April 11-12. Judging will take place on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the public gallery open that evening from 5-9 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors.
This year, 37 schools have submitted entries, with a record-breaking total of 398 registered works—the highest participation since the program began 11 years ago. While exact student numbers aren't available, participation typically ranges from 200 to 300 students. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
For the first time, the Art Educators Association will host student workshops on Saturday, adding an exciting new element to the event.
Additionally, this marks the second year of the SDHSAA State Art Wars Competition, which runs alongside the State Art Gallery & Competition. Art Wars is a dynamic, live art contest where students qualify at the regional level to compete at state. The top three artists in each of five categories from four different regions will face off in the final competition on Saturday.
In addition to the main competition, Northern State University will host receptions for four senior art students Friday, April 11, from 6-8 p.m. in the Johnson Fine Arts Center.
All gallery receptions are free and open to the public.
For more information, follow the NSU Art Department on Instagram at @nsuartdept.