Brushes & History: A Plein Air Paint Out

Celebrate 150 years of Spearfish history with a plein air paint-out featuring local artists, public voting, prizes, and art sales.
About this Event

Event Overview

• Hosts: Matthews Opera House & Spearfish Museum
• Parking & Restrooms: Brady Park
• Cost: $20 for participating artists and free for the public

Join The Matthews and the Spearfish Museum for an afternoon of art, history, and community on Sunday, September 20, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 435 Meier Avenue, the future home of the Spearfish Museum.

Held in celebration of 150 years of Spearfish history, from 1876 to 2026, this plein air paint-out invites local and regional artists to create work inspired by the people, places, landscapes, buildings, and stories that have shaped the community. Artists may choose to interpret a specific historic subject or respond more broadly to the character and legacy of Spearfish. Artist registration is $20, and participating artists are responsible for bringing their own materials, easels, seating, and supplies. All proceeds will be shared to support the Spearfish Museum and the Matthews.

The event is free and open to the public; donations are appreciated and will be shared to support the Matthews and Spearfish Museum. Community members are encouraged to watch the creative process unfold, visit with participating artists, learn more about local history, vote for a People’s Choice favorite, and purchase available artwork. Parking and restrooms will be available at Brady Park.

Event Schedule

• 2:00–2:45 - Artist check-in
• 3:00 - Painting begins
• 3:00–5:00 - Public viewing and artists painting
• 5:00 - Brushes down; judging and voting begin
• 5:00–6:00 - Artwork display and social hour
• 5:45 - People’s Choice voting closes
• 6:00 - Awards announced

Artist Information

• Artists may paint at the museum site, use historic reference materials, or work from another nearby location during the painting period.
• Subject matter must relate to Spearfish history. Historic buildings used as subjects should be at least 50 years old.
• Artists must provide their own art materials, seating, easels, and supplies.
• Finished event artwork should remain on the artist’s easel for the 5:00–6:00 p.m. display and voting period. The Matthews can provide a limited number of small display easels if needed.
• Artists may sell artwork during the social hour; a commission will not be collected. Artists who want to display or sell additional work must bring their own display materials and manage their own sales.

Awards

• People's Choice: Community voting during the paint-out and social hour starting at 5. Voting will end at 5:45, and the winner will be announced at 6.
• Juried Awards: First, Second, and Third place selections made by a panel of local artists and historians.
• Awards will consist of gift cards from various local businesses, and Winning pieces will be displayed at the Matthews Opera House from September 21st - October 14th. Spearfish Museum will display the work on Oct 15th during Paul Higbee’s presentations.