Sioux Falls, SD — This past weekend, Exposure Gallery & Studios teamed up with the residents of Touchmark at All Saints to put on an unforgettable collaborative art exhibit.
Exposure Gallery operator Zach DeBoer was asked to do a collaboration after the success of ArtMaze last January.
“I was contacted by Touchmark,” said DeBoer. “They wanted to do an art event at their facility and I really liked the idea. The building itself is a piece of art history.”
The All Saints School, where Touchmark is currently housed, is the design of local architect Wallace Dow. His Prairie Gothic style of architecture still remains, with the addition of enhancements and preservation efforts made by Touchmark Living Centers. You can read more about the history of All Saints here.
“After researching Zach and his involvement in Sioux Falls, it seemed he would be the one we would want to work with,” said Angie Rabon, Executive Director at Touchmark. “We were really looking for an opportunity for our residents to share and be creative.”
The exhibit featured numerous pieces of artwork — some created specifically for the event, while much of it was a mixture of work residents had created over the years.
Works included murals, collages, mosaics, graffiti, printmaking, fiber art, scrollshaw, photography & more.
Some residents were new to creating art, while some could be considered seasoned “artists” — though DeBoer is quick to point out that many of these contributors might not agree with that assessment.
“Most of them didn’t see themselves as artists,” he said. “It’s a sort of Midwestern artistic nature and attitude.”
Nine artists from Exposure participated, while 84 residents contributed as well.
“I think the residents have gained a sense of community, personal pride in displaying their work and excitement in the creative process,” said Rabon. “We are continually looking for new ideas that will engage our residents, be it creatively, educationally or socially.”
“The cross-generational aspect helps make the artists more skilled and well rounded,” said DeBoer regarding the benefit to Exposure artists. “They grow as artists within a community, beyond themselves.”
For more photos of the event, visit Touchmark’s Facebook Page.
Learn more about Exposure Gallery & Studios on their website, Facebook & Twitter.
While you’re at it check out their neighbors JAM Art & Supplies’ website, Facebook & Twitter.
