Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1985-1990 (Creation)
Extent
0.42 linear feet (1 document case)
Name of creator
Biographical history
Women Artists in Collaboration was created in 1985 at Brookings, South Dakota. It started out as a small group of women who had joined together when the Brookings Women's Center sponsored a presentation by women artists. Finding the collaboration stimulating, these women continued to work together. The group was made up of "whoever was willing to contribute" and changed from year to year. Friends of the Arts and the Brookings Women's Center provided funding for the group.
Name of creator
Biographical history
Marilyn Richardson was born on May 22, 1934. She graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City, Utah in 1952. In 1956, she received her BA in Speech with a minor in Dance from Brigham Young University. Marilyn received her MA in 1963 from Pennsylvania State University, with a major in Theatre Arts and a minor in Arts Education.
Richardson began teaching in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation [HPER] Department on the South Dakota State University [SDSU] campus in 1964. At that time, the Frost Arena was not yet built; she taught dance courses in the old barn in whatever space was available. In 1968, she started the Annual Student Dance Concerts. In 1976, Marilyn initiated and worked to establish a dance minor through the HPER Department. The Experimental Dance Concert, which was held on the unique stage of the South Dakota Art Museum was started in 1980.
Richardson provided performance opportunities for dancers, offering experimental concerts to challenge students’ ideals of dance and art, and main stage productions that provided students with choreographic and performance experience. She developed the Motion Machine, which was a student performance company that traveled throughout the region performing at elementary schools. Not only did this offer the SDSU dancers touring and performance experience, but it also provided school children throughout the state the chance to see dance in a different and creative perspective.
Richardson provided choreographic services to SDSU theatre, taught private dance lessons, served on several local, state, and national committees, dabbled in the writing world, and toured as artist in residence and touring artist through the South Dakota Arts Council.
Marilyn Richardson retired from SDSU on May 15, 1994. She is mother of three children and wife to Jay.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Women Artists in Collaboration Records document the activities and creative work of the group, primarily through materials collected by co-founder Marilyn Richardson. The collection consists of correspondence (1986-1990), financial records (1987-1990), and project materials (1985-1989), which provide insight into the group's operations and artistic collaborations. The project records are particularly significant as they detail performance concepts and the collaborative process.
Additionally, the collection includes clippings, guest books (1987), meeting records (1986-1987), member biographies, and programs, offering context on the group's membership and events. Two scrapbooks (1985-1987, 1988) contain photographs and memorabilia, documenting performances, and the group's artistic impact. This collection highlights the group's creative contributions and organizational history.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
The collection is open to all researchers, with materials accessible on-site only and not available for circulation.
For extensive research, scheduling an appointment in advance via phone or email is encouraged, including details about the research topic and intended use.
To access materials, researchers must complete and sign the Registration Form and provide proof of identity (e.g., University ID or driver’s license). By signing, researchers agree to adhere to the Reading Room Rules. The registration document also includes guidelines on making copies of materials, correct referencing, and copyright obligations.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to its collections, both published and unpublished. However, access to certain items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or copyright.
Reproduction of materials is allowed for research purposes only, and written permission is required for publication or distribution.
Due to the delicate nature of some items, reproduction may be limited.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Uploaded finding aid
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
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General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
ID
ID
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Richardson, Marilyn (Marilyn W.) (Subject)
- Women Artists in Collaboration (Subject)