Tradition in Contemporary Art Exhibit and the Nordic Yule Market are open for the holiday season at the South Dakota Art Museum.
The exhibit features 55 works by 24 artists from the upper Midwest. This is the first major traveling exhibit showcasing work inspired by traditional Nordic folk art and culture.
The exhibit was curated by Sally Yerkovich of the American-Scandinavian Foundation. Its journey began in New York in April at the Scandinavia House in Manhattan until Aug. 2, then re-opened at the South Dakota Art Museum on Oct. 4.
A wide variety of artistic mediums are featured, from blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving and paper cutting. The exhibit also includes a short film. Many pieces were made specifically for this exhibit
On Nov. 20., four featured artists, Tia Keobounpheng, Talon Cavender-Wilson, Kjetil “K.J.” Groven and Sonja Peterson traveled to Brookings to speak about their work at the Nordic Echoes lecture held at the South Dakota Art Museum.
Keobounpheng, from Minneapolis, shared the story behind her piece made for this exhibit called, “Who do you think you are, no .11.” The piece is part of her series of geometric tapestries created by sewing and weaving practices.
Keobounpheng’s piece is an abstract family portrait.
“Growing up in a large family, there’s a certain level of individuality you must surrender in order to operate and be a functioning part of the family unit,” Keobounpheng said. “I think of the front as what we think our family’s story is, and the exposed threads on the back is the pieces of the story we actually know and try to put together.”
Peterson, another Minneapolis native, shared with the audience the meaning and process behind her piece, “Inferno Seeks Shelter.” The piece reflects recent wildfires in Canada and Northern Minnesota.
“My choice of paper in my pieces echoes the fragility of ecological systems. The entire system is reliant on its interconnectivity,” Peterson said.
Cavender-Wilson, a Dakota artist from Granite Falls, Minnesota created his piece, “W*ater,” using traditional Swedish blacksmithing techniques he learned in his five years studying in Sätergläntan, Sweden.
Groven, a blacksmith and teacher from the Sturgis area, creates classic Nordic tools and other items like ale bowls through a combination of blacksmithing and woodworking.
“My hope is someone sees the work in the exhibit and is inspired to create something, and realize art is not always painting and perfection,” Groven said.
Alongside the exhibit is the Nordic Yule Market, which was created by and exclusive to the South Dakota Art Museum.
“We created the Nordic Yule Market to celebrate the Nordic Echoes exhibition and bring its themes to life beyond the galleries,” said Abigail Gebro, retail and visitor services coordinator at the Museum. “It’s the Art Museum’s twist on classic Nordic and German holiday markets — cozy, festive and full of charm.”
The Nordic Yule Market has been in the making for a year and features around 50 vendors with many from the surrounding area. Artists and vendors’ works were chosen based on creations that reflect quality, Nordic heritage and a handmade touch.
A wide variety of items are available at the market such as; Dala horses, a symbol of Swedish heritage, wool goods and traditional winter treats.
The Nordic Yule Market will feature a variety of events throughout the season. The market will offer gift wrapping for a one-dollar charge throughout the entire season, and free wrapping during special events.
On Dec. 4, “Sip & Shop” will be held from 5-8 p.m. and include live music from Nordic band Project: Constellation. Seasonal drinks and Nordic treat samples will be served at the cash bar in the market.
Meet and greets with popular characters and other family friendly activities will be held.
All special events will be announced on the South Dakota Art Museum’s social media pages.
“We hope visitors leave with a sense of connection to Nordic culture and the Art Museum’s interest in celebrating art, heritage, and community in creative, engaging ways,” Gebro said.
Students can receive 10% off any purchase with a free Art Museum Membership. Every purchase directly supports the Art Museum’s free exhibits and programs for the campus and community.
The Market will be open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays in November and December, and will stay open through Jan. 3, 2026.
Correction: The title of artist Sonja Peterson’s piece was incorrectly stated in this story published in the Dec. 3, 2025, Collegian. Peterson’s artwork is titled “Inferno Seeks Shelter”
