Workshops & Special Events
Our workshops are taught and moderated by esteemed presenters. These workshops and other special opportunities are a draw for experienced and novice artists alike. See descriptions below. These offerings are all optional and are offered at no charge to the participants.
Schedule is subject to change, please contact us to ensure offerings.
Group Painting en plain air
Thursday evening, August 13
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5pm Meet and greet! Join friends and fellow artists at the Kingsbury County Country Club for dinner/drinks (on your own).
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Afterwards, head out as one large group or several small groups for some fun painting together at site of your choosing!
Quick Draw
Friday, August 14 (8:45) 9-11 AM. Arrive 15 minutes early for final instructions.
Pre-registration encouraged.
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Pre-register on line when you register for the 2026 Plein Air Paint-Out or just email ; harveydunnsociety@gmail.com.
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Meet at the Masonic Lodge - south end of main street (Calumet Ave). Quick Draw painting to take place along main street or within a couple of blocks.
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Gathering: Bring everything you'll need to our gathering spot at the Masonic Lodge where your canvas or sketch paper will be stamped and final instructions given.
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Painting will begin with the sound of the airhorn and will end with everyone's return to our starting spot at 11 AM. Works should be ready to hang when turned in at that time.
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Display: Completed works will be on public display through Saturday afternoon and then Event Center on Sunday.
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Wet Sale and Awards: There will be a separate display of all works created at the Quick Draw at the De Smet Event Center. A Quick Draw award (with cash prize) will be voted on by all attending the wet sale. All artists wishing to sell their work should have this priced by the start of the wet sale.
Copyist Event
Sponsored by the South Dakota Art Museum
Friday, August 14. Times will be added TBD
During our Plein Air event the SDAM has an exhibit of all the works from the original 1950 Harvey Dunn De Smet Masonic Lodge exhibition. What an opportunity to see this collection and perhaps try your hand at "copying" some of the master's work!
Copyist Event at South Dakota Art Museum. Email: abigail.ramsbottom@sdstate.edu to reserve your spot. Provide your name, date and time you'd like to do copyist painting in the galleries.
The museum Copyist Guidelines linked here should be reviewed ahead of time please.
As these works are not created en plein air, they will not be eligible for the awards at the Sunday wet show.
Join us Friday August 15th for a special viewing of the newest Harvey Dunn Painting. Gifted to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in 2026, this small painting carries the true genius of Harvey Dunn. It's portrayal of feelings and emotions are plainly true and human.
5:30-7pm Laura Ingalls Wilder Society, 105 Olivet Ave SE, De Smet.
Youth Workshop
Instructor: Karen Kinder
When: Saturday August 15 from 1-2pm. Registration limited to 12.
If demand high, a 2nd workshop will be held: 2-3pm
Site: Meet us at Ingalls Homestead in De Smet.
In event of inclement weather, please check Facebook updates.
Our ever-popular Kids' Workshop is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on young artists!
Ages 6-14 are welcome.
FREE. All materials will be provided.
Artist Demonstration
Saturday August 15 at 11 AM
Site: Meet us at Ingalls Homestead, De Smet.
In event of inclement weather, please check Facebook updates.
Demonstration on artistic technique geared for adult artist participants.
FREE. No preregistration required.
Saturday evening gathering & meal
Hosted by the Board of the Harvey Dunn Society
On the porch of the Ingalls Homestead, 6 PM
Free for all registered artists. Guests may contribute to the free will offering.
Fiddlers will be there to round out the good cheer of this ever popular good time!
Wet Sale & Awards
Sunday, August 16
De Smet Event Center
9AM: Artists can start showing up to set up their "booth" Bring your own easels/display boards. Food Consessions will be available.
11am -2pm: Open to the public. Voting by public and artists for awards.
2 PM: Awards presentation
2026 Workshop & Demo Presenters
Presenters each have years of experience and expertise in the art of Plein Air. This year's presenters also have knowledge and history painting in the unique landscape offered at the Harvey Dunn Painting on the Prairie. Be prepared to come eager and leave inspired after a session with any of these talented artists!
Youth Workshop
Karen Kinder is a retired art educator and active artist who lives in Brookings, SD. She paints landscapes in oil in themes influenced by growing up on a family farm and her love for South Dakota.
Artists Demonstration
Join us for the event, Saturday August 15th at 9am at Ingalls Homestead