Photographer Erik Carlsgaard/Artworks Co-op

Erik Carlsgaard, a fine arts photographer from Frederick, SD, presented his show “Badlands” in the Education Gallery at the Dacotah Prairie Museum from July 1 - September 15, 2004.

Erik specializes in fine color photography of wildlife and Dakota landscape. He captures the moment - whether it be in a grand sunset or in the hidden jewels of the prairie. This display features images captured on an outing to the Badlands of South Dakota. These shots, highlighting the rugged and wild beauty of this natural area were taken primarily at sunrise or sunset.

The dramatic lighting conditions add immensely to the mountain formations and towering spires, recording the dramatic color of both the sky and the land. While on this trip, Erik noticed, “...when the light was the best and the views most spectacular, I was virtually alone. I would like to inspire people to get up early, even before sunrise and stay late into twilight in order to fully appreciate this special part of South Dakota.”

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Artworks Cooperative members  provided a special display, with pieces located in the Education Gallery, the 2nd floor landing, the Helen Bergh Education Room and the newly remodeled Conference Room. This exhibit was  one of several spotlighting the art of coop members until their future gallery at the old Central High School building is complete. This exhibit  included hand-made jewelry, original books, paintings of watercolor, oil and acrylic and drawings of charcoal, pastel and ink, calligraphy and embossed paper. The Artworks Co-op members featured at the Museum were: Rebecca Mulvaney, Kelly Face, Amy Woods, Nick Fischer, Pat Meacham Fries, C. R. Venegas, and Carol Weber Green.

For information on other past exhibits in the Dacotah Gallery, please click here.