Dakota Student Art Exhibition

The Dakota Student Art Exhibition (DSAE): The John Sieh Legacy is an annual educational arts program that brings together middle and high school students from North and South Dakota to celebrate creativity, mentorship, and artistic achievement. The exhibition began in 1996 at the Granary Rural Cultural Center near Groton, South Dakota, founded by John Sieh as part of his vision to create a rural space dedicated to celebrating art and culture on the prairie. Over time, the Dacotah Prairie Museum assumed responsibility for organizing the event, ensuring its continuation even after flooding and access issues closed the Granary facility and it was eventually donated to Brown County and placed under museum stewardship.

Today the exhibition serves as both a juried gallery show and an immersive educational experience where student teams exhibit original artwork across multiple media categories and participate in hands-on workshops led by professional artists, gallery discussions with judges, and peer engagement designed to build confidence and artistic skills.

Awards recognizing artistic excellence, emerging talent, and student choice are presented at the conclusion of each event day, while public gallery hours and an evening open house invite the community to celebrate the work of young artists. Continuing John Sieh’s legacy, the Dakota Student Art Exhibition remains a significant regional program that encourages creativity, artistic exploration, and connection among young artists across the Dakotas.

Dakota Student Art Exhibition Announces 2026 Award Winners

Aberdeen, SD — The Dacotah Prairie Museum is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Dakota Student Art Exhibition (DSAE): The John Sieh Legacy, held at the Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center. This annual event celebrates the artistic achievements of students in grades 7–12 from across South Dakota through a juried gallery exhibition and immersive workshop experience.

 

Top Honors

The prestigious Best of Show award was presented to Chancey Kessler of Ipswich Public for the drawing King for a Day. Mitchell High School took home Best Team honors.

Media Category Winners

Painting
1st Place: De Eh Tha Say, Groton High School — Symbol of Sacrifice
2nd Place: Emerlee Jones, Groton High School — Dots at Dawn
3rd Place: Elias Hildebrant, Selby Area School — Fragments of A Cursed Y

Drawing
1st Place: Krista Nies, Milbank High School — Pheasant in a Cornfield
2nd Place: Ava Meyers, Aberdeen Roncalli — A Sign from the Afterlife
3rd Place: Adelynne Ihnen, Hitchcock-Tulare School — Lost and Found

Printmaking
1st Place: Lauren Griese, Ipswich Public — Head in the Clouds
2nd Place: Samantha Hartman, Mitchell High School — Is Just “EH”

Digital Media & Photography
1st Place: Kinsley Herges, Mitchell High School — Candyland
2nd Place: Sienna Stoner, Hitchcock-Tulare School — Elegance of the After Life
3rd Place: Alexa Secker, Selby Area School — The Light in God’s Word

Fibers, Leather & Beadwork
1st Place: Dailyn Kiner, Mitchell High School — Depths of the Sea
2nd Place: Eleanore Cavanaugh, Holgate Middle School — Starry Night
3rd Place: Mackenzie Kannas, Great Plains Lutheran High School — Sunset

2D Mixed Media
1st Place: Morgan Griebel, Aberdeen Central High School — Turtle Reflections
2nd Place: Lincoln Duncan, Ipswich Public — Classic Makes Perfect
3rd Place: Nina Martin, McLaughlin High School — Inside the Mind

3D Forms / Mixed Media
1st Place: Temperance Cody, Ipswich Public — Cupcake
2nd Place: Talia Bowman, Aberdeen Central High School — Slow Steep
3rd Place: Savanna Schmitz, Northwestern School — Juce Box

Special Awards

Middle School Honorable Mention

• Cassidy Zerr, Holgate Middle School — The Effects of Allergies
• Isabella Carlson, Simmons Middle School — King of Thunder

Lora Schaunaman Rising Star in Visual Arts Award

• Mackenzie Kannas, Great Plains Lutheran High School — Sunset

Student Choice Awards

Wednesday
1st Place: Lydia Kost, Aberdeen Roncalli — A New Beginning
2nd Place: Chancey Kessler, Ipswich Public — King for a Day
3rd Place: Dailyn Kiner, Mitchell High School — Depths of the Sea

Thursday
1st Place: Emerlee Jones, Groton High School — The Soldier Within
2nd Place: Adelynne Ihnen, Hitchcock-Tulare School — Lost and Found
3rd Place: Chancey Kessler, Ipswich Public — King for a Day

The Dakota Student Art Exhibition continues to provide a meaningful platform for young artists to showcase their talents, engage with professional artists, and gain recognition for their creative work.

The Dacotah Prairie Museum extends its congratulations to all participating students, educators, and schools for making the 2026 exhibition a success.

For more information about the Dakota Student Art Exhibition, contact the Dacotah Prairie Museum at (605) 626-7117 or dakotastudentart@gmail.com.