This collection is composed of materials produced by the Visual Arts Department at South Dakota State University and reflects the department’s educational, creative, and promotional activities. It includes programs, posters, pamphlets, mailers, photographs, newsletters, institutional reviews, and documentation of faculty, student, and alumni exhibitions. Notable events represented include the Annual Juried Student Exhibition, the Alumni Exhibition, faculty exhibitions, and a variety of senior shows. Also present are records related to the Ritz Gallery, including retrospective exhibitions, thematic showcases, and promotional materials.
The collection contains examples of student academic work, including projects from Art History courses—such as the Wacipi and September 11th Projects—and features contributions from visiting artists and faculty, including international visitors and presenters. Additional items of interest include a scrapbook created by members of the Delta Phi Delta Art Fraternity, which contains clippings, memorabilia, and original artwork, as well as photographs of early art faculty such as Ada B. Caldwell and Maud Goddard.
This collection is significant for documenting the evolution of art education and visual culture at SDSU, highlighting the department’s emphasis on both academic study and public exhibition. It provides insight into student and faculty creativity, the development of art curricula, and the broader role of the arts on campus and beyond.
