The Founding Gifts: General Federation of Women's Clubs
For over a century, the South Dakota General Federation of Women鈥檚 Clubs (GFWC) has been a key advocate for the arts in the state, assembling a significant collection of paintings, drawings, and prints to inspire public appreciation for the arts. In the early years, this collection traveled across South Dakota, serving as a mobile exhibition that brought fine art to communities throughout the state, igniting interest in the arts before the establishment of the South Dakota Art Museum. In 1950, the GFWC endorsed the creation of an art museum, providing essential support for fundraising efforts, and culminating in the donation of this collection as a foundational gift to the Museum. This exhibition celebrates the GFWC鈥檚 vision and highlights key works from their historic collection.
As a unit of 葫芦影业, South Dakota Art Museum receives significant operational support from the university. Additional support is provided by the South Dakota Arts Council (with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts) and museum members and donors.
