If change was easy than everyone would do it. – Moving from the District to the state of South Dakota has been a life changing experience. The lack of time and energy to devote to my creative pursuit, no longer exists. However, the creative community and progressive energy of a large city is difficult to find... at first glance.
In search of this community and energy, I have been on the hunt to immerse myself in all things creative in and around Sioux Falls. I came across the initial pop-up #ArtMazeSF last weekend and was immediately interested. Its purpose and goals reflected DC's FotoBazaar that I had participated in. ArtMaze included 50 local artists who created site-specific pieces to install in a dilapidated downtown building.This ephemeral 2-day exhibit was definitely worth taking the time to experience.
The building included 4 floors of paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations, and 3-D work. Walking in with no expectations, I was immediately engrossed in what I found. Each room transported the viewer into the artist's mind. There was a refreshing mix of images on the wall and then entire rooms filled with installations. All of the viewer's senses were awakened by the stimulating visuals and tactile objects. This was an inspiring event and is something that I hope continues.
This event perfectly captured the vibrant energy I felt in my first few visits to this city. Change was coming. After attending this pop-up and doing more research into the creative community in Sioux Falls, I have discovered the way the area is evolving. By hosting events like ArtMaze and bringing together artists from all backgrounds, this is the beginning. Artists and local organizations are working together to have a progressive conversation about these events and ways to grow this community.
As a newcomer to any area, there is an immediate tendency to compare the new space to a previous city. Every time we step into a new space, we have to remember that we decided to make a change and be confident in that decision. With time we are able to adjust, acclimate ourselves, and find the beauty in our new surroundings.
Sioux Falls and South Dakota continue to make me search and work harder to immerse myself in the beauty of the Midwest. There's a lot more to this part of the country than meets the eye. I am here to explore, to grow personally and artistically, and to shine a light on all that it has to offer. I look forward to experiencing more art events and becoming a part of the creative community in Sioux Falls.