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.
The Latest
Apr 16, 2026
From Vermillion With Voice: USD Sings Loud at National Association of Teachers of Singing Auditions
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.
Apr 13, 2026
USD Graphic Design Students Present Capstone Exhibition
Four senior graphic design students from the University of South Dakota will present their capstone exhibition, “Under Construction: Still Workin’ on It,” on April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the John A. Day Gallery in the Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts.
Feb 19, 2026
University of South Dakota Art Galleries Receives Major Donation of Artwork from Stilwell Family
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.
Feb 12, 2026
The Heart of Arts in South Dakota: USD's College of Fine Arts Brings Creativity to Life
When USA Today named Vermillion the “Best Small Town Arts Scene” in the country, the recognition reflected more than the charm of a South Dakota community; it celebrated the creativity, talent and vision intertwined within the University of South Dakota’s College of Fine Arts.
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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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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Graduate Vocal Performance Student Named Finalist in National Voice Competition
Summary: Cadie Logston, a USD graduate student in vocal performance, was named one of seven finalists nationwide in the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Voice Competition, held online in January.
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USD Opera and Director Honored by The American Prize
Summary: The University of South Dakota Opera’s “Notes on Viardot” received two awards from The American Prize for 2024-2025.
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A High Note: USD Music Students Win Big at Two Competitions
Summary: University of South Dakota music students were among the top prizewinners at two competitions hosted by the South Dakota Music Teachers Association at South Dakota State University on Nov. 7 and 8, 2025.
