Dakota Student Art Exhibition

Dakota Student Art Exhibition (DSAE) is an educational experience to bring young people together under mentorship of professional artists. Teachers, register your team to participate in enriching workshops and have artworks displayed to represent your school in a judged gallery show! The event will motivate and empower students with three hands-on workshops and a gallery workshop with encouraging and personalized conversation about art.

Every student attends every workshop for a well-rounded experience. A ‘brain break’ art station is available during free moments, along with opportunities to peruse the gallery. Plus! Teachers attend a fun mini workshop.

Door prizes add to the excitement during the course of the day with a winner from each school guaranteed! Each day ends with a short ceremony to present gallery awards, including 1st, 2nd, 3rd in seven media categories; a Best of Show with cash prize; Best School Team; Middle School Student Honorable Mention; a teacher nominated ‘Rising Star Award’; and top three daily Student Choice Awards.

Students! Invite family & friends to view the DSAE Gallery Show! Evening Public Open House: Wednesday, March 25, 4-8 pm. | ARCC Library Auditorium 2nd Floor. The gallery is also open for viewing during the lunch break on workshop days: March 25 & 26, 2026 11:30 am—12:30 pm.

This event was first held at the Granary Rural Cultural Center near Groton, SD in 1996 and was called the “Granary All Dakota High School Fine Arts Exhibition.” The Granary started as the dream of one man, John Sieh (1925-2015), assisted by family and friends, to create a place to celebrate art on the prairie. Over time Dacotah Prairie Museum of Aberdeen took over sponsorship of the Granary’s student event. Though name and location have evolved, this annual tradition continues to challenge and inspire young people from the Dakotas! To honor and preserve Mr. Sieh’s vision, “Dakota Student Art Exhibition: The John Sieh Legacy” hosted by the museum and supported by the Dacotah Prairie Museum Foundation, aims to create a time and space reserved for art students to learn and grow. Our venue, the Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center’s Library Auditorium and art classrooms, is generously provided by the Parks Department of the City of Aberdeen.

Registration and Payment Due March 1st.  Click here to download the 2026 DSAE Rules & Registration Packet. Register Online below.

As you consider gallery show (judged) team submissions, please prioritize artwork which is complete and deliverable to DPM by March 11, 2026, by student artists who are able to commit to attending the event. Late entries may not be displayed or judged in time. Questions? Call (605) 626-7117. Ask for Marianne or Jay, or email dakotastudentart@gmail.com.