STURGIS, SD – Art and culture will be on full display this weekend in Sturgis where the first annual Sturgis Arts Festival is set to be held. Sturgis Chamber Executive Director Veronica Grosik says there is something for everyone.
“It looks like we have a little bit of everything. I think we’re very fortunate to have a really well-rounded collection of vendors our first year.” She added, “There will also be a selection of acoustic entertainers, over 30 arts and craft booths, and food trucks.”
The event, set for Saturday, June 5 at Harley Davidson Rally Point in downtown Sturgis from 10am – 6pm, has both a personal and professional connection for Grosik.
“My family started Sturgis Center for the Arts,” she shares. “Years ago, we used to do an Arts and Music Festival in the city park. When I became a part of the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to bring it back. Both my personal interest and work interest have been a part of wanting to reintroduce events like this.”
Downtown Sturgis will also be home to four art installations organized and placed by the Downtown Sturgis Foundation. On Thursday, June 3rd, there will be a social at Harley Davidson Rally Point beginning at 5:30pm, followed by viewing each of the sculptures placed in various locations on main street. There will be presentations by artists and time for one-on-one visits with the sculptors.
“We have one called “The Horse” created by Sturgis, SD native Travis Sorenson. Others are created and represented by Midwestern artists,” said Grosik. The sculptures will remain on display throughout the summer.
Grosik says a large part of launching such events and presentations is to showcase more artistic and cultural opportunities for people in the community and for visitors to enjoy as well. With that in mind, there is also the Sturgis Art Walk.
“We have map of all the sculptures (including the four new ones) in the community. This will be available at Thursday’s sculpture unveiling and Saturday’s art festival. The printed map gives locations and directions to around 29 sculptures located throughout town. It’s a wonderful half-day excursion for those who want to take in other works of art in Sturgis.
