Dazzling Dakota: The Artwork of Mecca Rutherford
The Center for Western Studies (CWS) is excited to present "Dazzling Dakota: The Artwork of Mecca Rutherford," an exhibition showcasing the beauty of South Dakota through the eyes of a talented local artist. Based in Sioux Falls, Mecca Rutherford uses oil paintings to capture the stunning landscapes of the Dakota plains. Her work brings to life the wide-open skies, rolling hills and colorful sunsets that make this region so special.
Mecca’s art reflects her deep connection to her home state. Her use of light and color invites viewers to see South Dakota’s landscapes in a new way — filled with warmth, peace and a sense of possibility.
This exhibition takes you on a journey through South Dakota’s unique scenery, highlighting Mecca’s ability to turn everyday moments into stunning art. From a glowing prairie sunset to the soft light of a new morning, her paintings celebrate the beauty that surrounds us. We hope you are able to join us for this fantastic show.
“Dazzling Dakota” will be on display from Monday, Jan. 13, through Friday, April 25, with all featured works available for purchase. Join us for the artist reception on Friday, Jan. 17, from 5:30-7 p.m., to meet the artist and celebrate her work in person.
The exhibition is located in the Madsen, Nelson and Elmen Galleries and first-floor hallways of the Center's Fantle Building at 2121 S. Summit Avenue in Sioux Falls. Viewing hours are Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
The CWS has several display cases throughout the galleries that exhibit materials on a variety of changing themes. The current exhibits are:
Artifacts and History of the Berdahl-Rölvaag House
The Berdahl-Rölvaag House, formerly located at Augustana’s Heritage Park, was the home of Andrew and Karen Berdahl. Several of their children attended Augustana Academy in Canton, including their daughter Jennie, who would later marry Norwegian-American author Ole. E. Rölvaag. In conjunction with the 2025 Dakota Conference on the settlement of the Northern Plains, bicentennial of Norwegian immigration to the U.S., artifacts and photographs in this exhibit depict the life of a Norwegian immigrant family in South Dakota. The exhibit materials were curated by CWS intern Joshua Nichols from the collections of the former Heritage Park, now housed at the CWS.
Jennie Berdahl's Wedding Dress
Together, with interpretive text by intern PattyJo English, the dress Jennie Berdahl wore when she married author Ole E. Rolvaag in 1908 is now on exhibit. Rolvaag and Berdahl met while students in the academy division of Augustana College in Canton, South Dakota, graduating in 1901 and 1903, respectively. Rolvaag continued his studies at St. Olaf College but maintained correspondence with Berdahl and proposed to her in 1903. For many years, the dress was displayed in the Berdahl-Rolvaag House, one of the buildings comprising Heritage Park, managed by the Nordland Heritage Foundation. The dress was one of several items CWS staff selected for transfer to the center’s collections when Heritage Park closed in 2022.
The Norwegian Royal Visit to Sioux Falls in 1939
On June 14, 1939, Crown Prince Olav, and his wife, Crown Princess Martha, of Norway visited Sioux Falls. Their visit was part of a 10-week tour of the U.S. to build goodwill, and to open the Norwegian exhibition at the World's Fair in New York. For local citizens, the royal visit was especially exciting, given the region's deep connections to Scandinavia. Detailing the events of that day, this exhibit in the east corner of the Nelson Gallery was created by CWS graduate intern Cody Schriever.
Roy Miller: The Journeys of a Barge Pilot
During a steamboat trip to the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, 11-year-old Roy Miller decided to become a barge pilot. He began learning under his uncle, famed steamboat pilot William "Steamboat Bill" Heckman, and after serving as an apprentice on the steamer Chester, was licensed in 1914. This display by intern Abby Mitchell explores Miller's 45-year career operating on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
The 1973 Energy Crisis on Augustana’s Campus
Following an OPEC-imposed oil embargo, a consequence of America’s support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War, the U.S. faced a major energy crisis in the winter of 1973-74. Facing energy shortages and spiking costs, Augustana established a task force to enact energy-saving measures across campus. Students lived with cold showers and darkened hallways, but remained engaged, hosting a 2-part symposium to discuss energy issues. This exhibit by CWS intern Joshua Nichols reveals the institutional experience of the crisis through yearbook and student newspaper coverage.
