The South Dakotan Fine Arts is the story hub of the USD College of Fine Arts. Here you’ll find stories and news highlighting the meaningful contributions of our students, faculty and staff, and alumni.
Humanities & Culture
Finding Purpose Through Music: Kari Edman’s Journey Into Music Therapy
The Latest
Jun 22, 2026
A Soundtrack of History: USD’s National Music Museum Celebrates America’s 250th
Whether it’s a moving lyric, a touching melody or an uplifting beat, music has a way of inspiring people and capturing moments in time. It has shaped lives, told stories and encapsulated the world’s most historic events—enabling thousands of generations to see how individuals lived, loved and celebrated throughout history.
Jun 17, 2026
Record Number of USD Voice Students Advance to National Student Auditions
Four University of South Dakota voice students have advanced to the semifinal round of the National Student Auditions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Apr 29, 2026
USD and Arts South Dakota Present Event to Advance Healing Through the Arts
On April 24 and 25, the University of South Dakota and Arts South Dakota presented the Arts Leadership Institute: Arts Healing South Dakota Intensive, in conjunction with the State Arts Conference, at Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Apr 23, 2026
USD Voice Students Compete in North Central Regional Auditions
Five University of South Dakota voice students competed in the North Central Regional Auditions, as part of the National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions, in March, with each student placing in the top five of their respective categories and advancing to the national round of competition.
Alumni
USD Alumna Nicole Decker Found the Right Note in Her Career as Director of Bands
As head band director at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, University of South Dakota alumna Nicole Decker ’14 shapes the lives of young musicians and inspires a new generation of leaders in music.
Mural On The Wall: USD Artists Inspire Through Community-Based Art
Through their community art group, Mural On The Wall (OTW), artists Amber Hansen and Reyna Hernandez are inspiring engagement and conversation in rural communities in South Dakota and beyond.
Alumnus and 2023 Bush Fellow Joe Williams Leads With Intentionality
University of South Dakota alumnus Joe Williams ’07 is driven by intentionality. From bringing Native American art to larger audiences to elevating the voices of Native creative leaders through a well-known podcast, Williams is intentional with everything he does.
More Headlines
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USD’s Sarah A. Hanson-Pareek to Present Photography Exhibition
Summary: The University of South Dakota’s Sarah A. Hanson-Pareek, ’98, program director of the digital imaging lab, digital library and photographs, presents “The Magic of John Banasiak” from May 7 to 27 in the John A. Day Gallery at the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts.
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From Vermillion With Voice: USD Sings Loud at National Association of Teachers of Singing Auditions
Summary: Students from the College of Fine Arts competed in the South Dakota District at the National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions, which were held on March 31 in Brookings, South Dakota.
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University of South Dakota MFA Candidate Presents ‘Surface Rhythms'
Summary: Mariom Manjury Nishe, a Master of Fine Arts candidate in studio art at the University of South Dakota, will be presenting her thesis exhibition, ‘Surface Rhythms,’ in the John A. Day Gallery April 6-10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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University of South Dakota Art Galleries Receives Major Donation of Artwork from Stilwell Family
Summary: The University of South Dakota Art Galleries is honored to announce a significant donation of artwork from the family of Wilber M. Stilwell (1908-1974), an American artist and passionate art educator who also served as chair of the USD Department of Art from 1941-1973.
