South Dakotas Great Places: Redlin Art Center
WATERTOWN, S.D. â The Redlin Art Center in Watertown, South Dakota, is home to more than 150 original oil paintings by one of Americas most popular artists, Terry Redlin. This is one of South Dakotas Great Places.
Terry Redlin first became interested in the outdoors while growing up in Watertown. Today, he is known as one of the countrys most widely collected painters of wildlife in America.
Initially, the structure was to be in the Minneapolis, Minn., area, but it was moved to Watertown because of Redlins love for South Dakota. Redlin saw it as a gift of sorts to the state of South Dakota and Watertown for helping him through art school through scholarships for disabled students.
The Redlin Art Center holds more than 150 of Terry Redlins original oil paintings. The building was designed by Terrys son, Charles Redlin. Charles wanted a place to showcase his fathers work when he passed away. Terry eventually grew fond of the idea and the building was completed during his lifetime. Today, his paintings are displayed on three floors of galleries inside the building.
In addition to the gallery space, the Redlin Art Center also has an amphitheater, Langenfeld Ice Cream display, a gift shop and a room displaying Redlins early art. Children and adults will enjoy playing the âKid Connectionâ game that encourages intricate examination of the Redlin Art Center.
From a S.D. Deparment of Tourism news release
Outdoors Artist Terry Redlin Dies After Battle With Dementia
BISMARCK, N.D. Outdoors artist Terry Redlin has died in South Dakota after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers disease. He was 78.
Redlin died Sunday night in a care centre in the Watertown area due to complications from a nine-year struggle with dementia, Redlin Art Center Executive Director Julie Ranum told The Associated Press.
When Redlin retired from painting in 2007, his son, Charles Redlin, said his father suffered from exposure to a chemical found in paint.
Redlin is known for his paintings of wildlife and outdoors scenes. In the 1990s he was named Americans most popular artist in annual gallery surveys conducted by U.S. Art magazine. His depictions of ducks, deer and rustic cabins decorate everything from coffee mugs to jigsaw puzzles.
The Redlin Art Center museum features more than 150 of his original oil paintings, as well as many prints, sketches and childhood drawings. The gallery has drawn more than 3 million visitors since it opened in 1997.
Redlin also was known for his conservation work. Over 17 years, his art donations to Ducks Unlimited raised more than $28 million for wetlands projects. The Terry Redlin Environmental Center opened in Watertown in 2010, with exhibits on native ecosystems, wetlands and the prairie.
An elementary school in Sioux Falls was even named for him.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Monday requested that flags in South Dakota be flown at half-staff on the day of Redlins funeral, which was not immediately scheduled.
Free Things To Do In Watertown Sd: Mellette House And Heritage Museum
If your family is into history, these two sites are are definite must-sees on your stop in Watertown.
Built in 1885, the Mellette House was the home of South Dakotas first governor and has been restored with many original furnishings donated by the family. Admission and guided tours of the site are free from May 1-October 1. Check hours and availability before you arrive.
The Codington County Heritage Museum showcases local history and also offers free programs for elementary-aged kids every weekday afternoon. The museum is housed in the former Carnegie Library building in downtown Watertown. In 2022, masks are encouraged and hours may be limited.
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Free Things To Do In Watertown Sd: Bramble Park Zoo
Although the Bramble Park Zoo isnt technically free, it does participate in reciprocal membership programs with many other zoos around the country. Its always a good idea to call ahead first, just to confirm, but if youre a member of your local zoo then chances are that you can visit Watertowns Bramble Park Zoo for free.
Even if you do end up having to pay admission, this zoo is definitely worth the price.
Bramble Park Zoo is the second-largest in South Dakota and home to more than 800 animals, including monkeys, otters, wolves, camels, jaguars and tigers. There is a KidZoo area, a playground, picnic shelters and a fun Ottertown exhibit.
Unlike other zoos Ive visited, this one allows you to get much closer to the animals. Even though not all of them were up and moving around, they were easy to spot at such close distance.
The zoo also focuses heavily on education, considering itself a living classroom, and is a participant in Jane Goodalls Roots & Shoots youth educational program. The zoos Terry Redlin Environmental Center includes many interactive and educational displays, focusing on native South Dakota fish and wildlife.
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Free Things To Do In Watertown Sd: Watertown Artwalk
Downtown Watertown consists of a 40-block area designated as a historic district, with 64 buildings on the National Historic Register. The architecture and history alone are plenty of reasons to stop and check out what locals call their Uptown area.
Uptown is also host to Watertowns annual public art program called Artwalk. Each year the local area chooses new art, in order to provide a unique variety that appeals to all ages.
There are 13 sculptures in the Uptown area. Two more are on display at the Terry Redlin Art Center and Lake Area Technical Institute. Each sculpture includes a plaque listing the name of the art, the artist, the Artwalk sponsor and a statement about the art.
TravelingMom Tip: Pick up a brochure listing the sculptures and their locations at many area businesses. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to explore or let your kids hunt for each sculpture as you go. Dont miss any of them!
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Alison + Tylers Redlin Art Center Ceremony
Alison and Tylers Watertown, SD wedding was INCREDIBLE. Their wedding ceremony took place at The Pavilion at Redlin Art Center, one of the most unique venues our team has been able to capture memories at. The Redlin Art Center is a property filled with gorgeous views and fine art. The Pavilion is located in the heart of Terry Redlin Conservation Park and has elegant finishings, including granite floors, an incredible chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Terry Redlin Art Center
The Terry Redlin Art Center is located Watertown SD.
The Terry Redlin Art Center was designed as a gift to the state of South Dakota, and the town of Watertown. Redlin was given a scholarship from the state of South Dakota which sent him through art school, and he decided he wanted to honor the state and the people of Watertown by giving them the Terry Redlin Art Center.
Art
Over 150 of Terry Redlins original oil paintings hang in the art center designed by Terrys son, Charles. Charles designed and built the center because he wanted a way to display and preserve his fathers art, and the Terry Redlin Art Center definitely accomplishes that goal. Every painting Terry Redlin has created since 1985 is on permanent display within the gallery.
Architecture
The Terry Redlin Art Center buildling itself is also a work of art. The Egyptian Revival period inspired the exterior of the building, with 38 foot high granite columns against a 52,000 square foot brick building. The entrance is graced with Black Galaxy granite from India, and the gallery walls are lined with 5900 feet of African Impala granite wainscoting. So magnificent is the building that it was named a Merit Award winner in the 1996 Build America Awards by the Associated General Contractors of America.
Visiting
As a gift from Terry Redlin to the people of South Dakota, admission to the Terry Redlin art center is free! It is open year round, and is located in Watertown, just off of Interstate 29.
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South Dakota Wildlife Artist Terry Redlin Dead At 78
BISMARCK, N.D. Outdoors artist Terry Redlin has died in South Dakota after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 78.
Redlin died Sunday night in a care center in the Watertown area due to “complications from a nine-year struggle with dementia,” Redlin Art Center Executive Director Julie Ranum told The Associated Press.
When Redlin retired from painting in 2007, his son, Charles Redlin, said his father suffered from exposure to a chemical found in paint.
Redlin is known for his paintings of wildlife and outdoors scenes. In the 1990s he was named American’s most popular artist in annual gallery surveys conducted by U.S. Art magazine. His depictions of ducks, deer and rustic cabins decorate everything from coffee mugs to jigsaw puzzles.
The Redlin Art Center museum features more than 150 of his original oil paintings, as well as many prints, sketches and childhood drawings. The gallery has drawn more than 3 million visitors since it opened in 1997.
Redlin also was known for his conservation work. Over 17 years, his art donations to Ducks Unlimited raised more than $28 million for wetlands projects. The Terry Redlin Environmental Center opened in Watertown in 2010, with exhibits on native ecosystems, wetlands and the prairie.
An elementary school in Sioux Falls was even named for him.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Monday requested that flags in South Dakota be flown at half-staff on the day of Redlin’s funeral, which was not immediately scheduled.
- In:
Stokes Thomas City Park
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Kampeska, Stokes Thomas City Park is free and offers plenty of family-friendly fun. The park includes a swimming beach, boardwalk and bike trail, basketball and sand volleyball courts, playgrounds and picnic shelters. If youre looking to stay overnight, there are also 72 camping spots available on a first-come basis and a boat launch. The park is also home to Watertowns Veterans Memorial.
TravelingMom Tip: If you do have a little money to spend, you can also rent non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles, kayaks or paddleboats here. This is an inexpensive and fun way to enjoy even more recreational opportunities together as a family.
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Great Faces Great Places
South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!
Western South Dakota
CENTRAL REGION
This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US.
Eastern Region
The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true prairie experience.
Free In Watertown Sd: Terry Redlin Art Center
Terry Redlin was a well-known wildlife and Americana artist from Watertown. He created more than 200 paintings during his 30-year career. For several years he was voted Americas Favorite Artist.
The Terry Redlin Art Center showcases more than 150 of his original oil paintings that capture the nostalgia of Terrys childhood. His art tells the story of the simpler times of American small town life in the early 1900s. Built in the mid 1990s as a gift to his hometown, the Center is open year-round and never charges an admission fee.
The highlight of the Terry Redlin Museum is definitely the stunning artwork. But the 30-acre site is also home to a park with walking trails and gazebos. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year.
The cell phone audio tour allows you to hear the stories of some of Terry Redlins paintings in his own voice.
TravelingMom Tip:Make the art museum fun for kids by picking up a Kid Connection activity booklet. It works like a scavenger hunt to challenge kids to find specific things in the paintings.
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Reception At North Shore In Watertown
After the ceremony, the happy couple snapped a few photos at the Watertown Firehouse before making their way to the reception. Their reception venue was The North Shore Chophouse and Banquet Hall, located right on the water. We were able to capture some gorgeous sunset photos of the new Mr & Mrs Gorrell along the lakeshore. Then the guests danced the night away!
South Dakota Artist Terry Redlin Passes Away
Watertown, SD KSFY News has confirmed that Watertown native and American artist popular for painting outdoor themes and wildlife, Terry Redlin has died.
Redlin passed away Monday. According to a biography on the Redlin Art Center website, Redlin retired from painting in 2007, due to his personal stuggle with Alzheimers disease.
Biography from redlinart.com:
Few artists can rival the standards of excellence achieved by Master Artist Terry Redlin over the past 30 years. He is truly one of the countrys most widely collected painters of wildlife and Americana. For eight consecutive years, 1991 through 1998, Redlin has been named Americas Most Popular Artist in annual gallery surveys conducted by U.S.ART magazine. His induction into U.S.ARTs Hall of Fame in 1992 followed the magazines poll of 900 galleries nationwide which, that year, placed five of Redlins limited editions in the top 11 in popularity. Over the life of the poll, 30 prints have been included in that list. His use of earthy colors, blazing sunrises and sunsets and nostalgic themes are often cited as the reasons for his immense popularity.
In 1977, at the age of 40, Redlin burst onto the wildlife scene when his painting Winter Snows appeared on the cover of The Farmer magazine. By 1979, demand for his work had become so great that he left his art directing career to concentrate on painting wildlife.
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More Free Things To Do In Watertown Sd
- Im intrigued by the idea of Watertowns Kid Only Fishing Pond, located in Riverside Park. Only kids aged 18 and under are allowed to fish there. Theres no fishing license required and no fees. Im told that its well-stocked with fish and therefore very popular!
- If you love history and architecture, definitely check out the Historical Homes Walking Tour, which showcases many well-preserved local homes. Guidebooks are available at the Visitor Center.
- The historic Goss Opera House& Gallery in downtown Watertown should also be a must-see on your list. Its free to walk in and check out the historic building and artwork displayed on the main floor.
- If shopping is your thing, check out the one-level Watertown Mall, located on 9th Ave. This, of course, is only free if you stick to window shopping!
