The Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls is bringing 43 regional artists to the Visual Arts Center this weekend for the first annual Studio 301 event. Starting Saturday morning in the Everest Gallery the individuals will each create their own work of art from start to finish. Those attending can watch the artists and place bids on their pieces throughout the day followed by an auction that will open that night.
Michele Wellman is Director of Marketing and Communications for the Pavilion. She says these artists will present a wide variety of art ranging from paintings to sculptures, music and even ceramics. Wellman says she hopes this event shows the public that the Pavilion is open to everyone.
"Our tagline at the Pavilion is yours mine and ours and I hope this opens the doors to folks who think- there are people who have thought that the Pavilion is at times elitist and it can be somewhat intimidating to say ‘ooh do I want to go see the Rose exhibit or do I want to go see the Andy Warhol exhibit- am I okay in my jeans- do I have to get dressed up to go to a show at the Pavilion," says Wellman. "It’s yours mine and ours and I’m hoping that, this is a free event and this gets people in and they can see how open the building is, how available it is to the community and how accessible art really can be."
Wellman says the name Studio 301 stands for the Pavilion’s address on South Main Avenue. She says the event is free and open to the public.