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Reliabank CEO David W. Johnson has not studied art, but his appreciation of all kinds of art has led him to support art projects and organizations in South Dakota and collect various works from all over the world. He has travelled and collected art from the time he was a college student studying Economics in Germany and England in the early 1970's to present. Two USAID projects took him to Central Asia (Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) where he taught American banking methods to bankers who were emerging from the fall of the Soviet Union.
This new feature of Reliabank's website is where Johnson shares a portion of his collection with customers and other website visitors. Hats off to all of the talented artists whose work is displayed here. We hope you enjoy.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images and read about the artists.
The Memory Project
The Memory Project is a unique initiative in which art students create portraits (drawings, paintings, digital art, etc.) for children and teens around the world who have been neglected, orphaned, or disadvantaged. To do this, the artists receive photos of kids waiting for portraits and then work from those photos to create the portraits. Next, the portraits are delivered to the kids as gifts. The project also takes photos of the kids receiving the portraits so the artists can see those special moments. In total, art students from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and Korea have now created more than 40,000 portraits for youth in 34 countries.
Lisa Solum, art teacher at Watertown High School, has participated in the project with her art students for four years. Reliabank is a proud sponsor of the Memory Project and we are excited to showcase examples in our art gallery.
Visit http://www.memoryproject.org/ for more information
Artist Name: Dan Bergan
“I grew up on a farm in Codington County. I can remember grain shocks and early photos of my grandfather and horse-drawn binders.”
Professional Background: Business degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Owned landscape garden center business for 34 years.
Website: www.madeinsouthdakota.com
Art available at Dan Bergan’s home and the Watertown Art Festival
Artist Name: Bonnie Brahms
“I was inspired by a visit to my parents’ ranch near White River—a beautiful day surrounded by the cattle herd. They voiced their opinion about their desire for a treat. The cows are Angus-Herford crosses.”
Professional Background: Bonnie Brahms has been a professional artist for 16 years doing commissions and art shows. She attended workshops by well-known artists.
Website: www.brahms-art.com
Find her work at the Cliff Hangers Gallery in Sioux Falls.
Artist Name: Bruce
David W. Johnson was antique shopping at Lincoln County Antiques in Canton, SD, and purchased this original colored lithograph. The artist’s name was just Bruce on the artwork.
Artist Name: Edgardo F. Garcia
David W. Johnson purchased this work in 1998 on a family vacation on the north shore of Oahu. Depicts an 80-foot waterfall on the coast.
Professional Background: B.S. degree in the Philippines. Garcia is considered one of Hawaii’s foremost artists.
Website: www.fineart-e.com/garcia-e.htm
Artist Name: Clyde Huyck
The work was done for a show in Brookings, South Dakota
Professional Background: B.A. and M.A. in Art at the University of California
Artist Name: JoAnne Bird
Her inspiration was her own Dakota Sioux heritage.
Professional Background: Artist since 1970
Website: www.joannebird.com
Artist Name: Karen Kinder
“I love the contrast of dark, stormy skies against the lighter background, the pattern of fields and light and shadow of the South Dakota landscape.” This is an abandoned farmstead in Day County. Karen Kinder works in oils, most often using broad, thick brush strokes.
Professional Background: B.S. in Art from Northern State University in Aberdeen, Elementary Art Teacher in Brookings, professional painter for 20 years.
Website: www.sdartists.org/members/kkinder/
Art available in Brookings and at Brookings Summer Art Festival
Artist Name: Unknown
David W. Johnson purchased this painting on a mission trip in Nicaragua.
Artist Name: Oscar Howe
David W. Johnson purchased this at public auction from Linda Davis, who received it from a friend of the artist. It is an early work of Howe’s.
Professional Background: Well known for water color paintings. Descended from Sioux Chiefs. Graduated from Dorothy Dunn Art Program at Santa Fe Indian School. M.A. at the University of Oklahoma. Howe died in 1983.
Website: www.oscarhowe.org or www.dakotadiscovery.com
Artist Name: Peggy Prouty
“I love to draw faces and his face was interesting.”
Artist Name: Peggy Prouty
“My Dad farmed for many years which was the idea behind the two men visiting by the cornfield.”
Artist Name: Peggy Prouty
“My son is sitting on the steps holding an old pair of his Dad’s boots and waiting for him to get home from work. Most of my work is done in charcoal, pastel, or oil.”
Professional Background: Art teacher at Hamlin High School and a painter for over 40 years.
Email: peggy57221@yahoo.com
Artist Name: Brita Sheldon Sailor
Merlaine Eisnach purchased this at the Brookings Art Festival. “I thought the sheep belonged at ‘Farmer’s’ State Bank. I purchased it about 10 years ago, when Reliabank was Farmer’s State Bank. I also have another of her works in my home.”
Artist Name: Unknown
While working on a USAID project in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, David W. Johnson purchased this original oil painting.
Artist Name: Harriet Lievan
Harriet Lievan is from the Minneapolis area. David W. Johnson purchased this at the Brookings Evening for the Arts because the barn looks like the one on the Hovey farm where Jan Johnson grew up.
Artist Name: Florence Bruhn
Miss Bruhn died in 1999. Reliabank purchased the artwork at an auction on what would have been her 90th birthday. Proceeds benefited the Watertown Community Foundation.
Professional Background: Started teaching in Watertown in 1939 as an English teacher, but spent most of her 40 years in the Watertown system as an art teacher.
Artist Name: Linda Hoffelt
Professional Background: Has a degree in art education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, with graduate credits from many other universities. She has been a wood carver for 22 years.
Email: hoffelt@mchsi.com
Artist Name: Clyde Huyck
Drawing inspired by “South Dakota stream near our farm.” Drawn for a show in Brookings.
Artist Name: Ulugheek
While working on a USAID project in 1995 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, David W. Johnson visited the site of this small chapel.
Artist Name: Mary Bjerke
“The pine trees create an unusual spiral staircase. Located on a farm east of Estelline.” David W. Johnson purchased this at Evening for the Arts in Brookings.
Professional Background: Graphic Designer at Larson Manufacturing. B.A. in graphic design from South Dakota State University.
Artist Name: Mary Groth
“Growing up in NE South Dakota I spent summers at Pickerel Lake. On a hill overlooking the lake was a farm of Joe Miotke. My siblings and I would often explore the farm and had free reign to this "magical" place. I created this montage around the figure of Joe. The other figures are from my imagination I wanted to capture the feel of farm life and the flat vast horizons of the prairie.”
Professional Background: Pursued art at Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, and Northern State University. Awarded three grants for artistic development by the South Dakota Arts Council. Inducted in to the South Dakota Hall of Fame as Artist of the Year in 1995. Received the People's Choice Award at the 2001 and 2003 Arts Night Exhibits at the Washington Pavilion or Arts and Science.
Website: Website currently being designed Studio located in downtown Sioux Falls
Phone: 605-321-5180
Artist Name: Mary Groth
“This particular vista was shown to me by David W Johnson, CEO of Reliabank. He knows the land between Estelline, Onida, and Watertown, and had this image in mind. Driving around with Dave, I shot photos of this road disappearing into the distance with all the layers of land creating a strata of color and texture.”
Growing up in NE South Dakota I spent summers at Pickerel Lake. On a hill overlooking the lake was a farm of Joe Miotke. My siblings and I would often explore the farm and had free reign to this "magical" place. I created this montage around the figure of Joe. The other figures are from my imagination I wanted to capture the feel of farm life and the flat vast horizons of the prairie.
Professional Background: Pursued art at Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, and Northern State University. Awarded three grants for artistic development by the South Dakota Arts Council. Inducted in to the South Dakota Hall of Fame as Artist of the Year in 1995. Received the People's Choice Award at the 2001 and 2003 Arts Night Exhibits at the Washington Pavilion or Arts and Science.
Website: Website currently being designed
Studio located in downtown Sioux Falls
Ph. 605-321-5180
Artist Name: Sandy Ellyson
The first time I drove down the gravel road and viewed this South Dakota scene, the person I was with said, "We have found America." God has created the most spectacular scenes. As an artist I humbly tried to capture the natural beauty of This Good Earth.
Professional Background:
AD in Nursing USD
Certified Childbirth Educator
Art training from local and nationally acclaimed art instructors
Contact Information:
Call for a private showing of more than 100 paintings including landscapes, florals, angels, people, and abstracts. 605-882-2279
Work displayed at Watertown Art Festival
sandraellyson@yahoo.com
Artist Name: Carol Cunningham
I love watching the grandkids play doctor after returning home from the doctor. We always had dogs and while sculpting I came up with having the boy "checking" his dog. David W. Johnson purchased this sculpture from the Sioux Falls Art community where it was featured on Phillips Avenue. "The American dream is that we believe we can have a better life than our parents had if we work hard and smart. If you turn that thinking around, parents save their money and other resources for their kids. So banking, and an artwork that depicted a young person, just worked perfectly for our Watertown location."
Professional Background: Schooling at Lincoln University and many sculpture workshops. She has worked with many vets, and is past Director of the Missouri Veterinary Museum.
Website: www.carolcunningham.com
Artist Name: Larry Negaard
A member of the South Dakota Artists Network, Larry works in a variety of media. He produced this pencil drawing of our Reliabank locations.
Professional Background: Larry graduated from St. Cloud (MN) College with a degree in art/art education, he also taught art in public schools before switching to advertising in 1981.
Artist Name: Bill Williams
Bill Williams is the recognized leader in nostalgic art, using sports memorabilia and collectibles in his compositions. He represents the glory of sports through his realistic still lifes. David W. Johnson purchased the Williams basketball artwork when we were remodeling the Hayti bank. "Because of the rich basketball tradition of the Hayti area, the nostalgia of the old fashioned shoes and my interest in the game led me to buy the painting"
Website: www.billwilliamsart.com
Artist Name: Alyssa Chapman
Artist Name: Emma Kays
Artist Name: Emily Eide
Artist Name: Samantha Freih
Artist Name: Molly Hirsch
Artist Name: Beth Magstadt
Artist Name: Abby Davis
Artist Name: Beth Magstadt
Artist Name: Ariel Adolphsen
Artist Name: Emily Schroeder
Artist Name: Sydney Strait
Artist Name: Sydney Strait
Artist Name: Lewis Tardy
Artist Statement: The biomechanical styles of my sculptures have evolved throughout a lifetime of experiences, creating life and motion out of static scrap metals. Inspiring shapes and designs discovered within found objects, along with my love to illustrate the human form, are fused together and evolve into art.
The works are created through the process of Metal Inert Gas Arc Welding (MIG). Grinding, buffing, and sandblasting, are other elements also incorporated into the process. Ideas are not sketched in advance, however, an outline is drafted in my head and then I search for the shapes and designs within scrap parts to bring those ideas to life. Other elements that are taken into consideration are tone, texture and even weight of the material to be used. On many occasions, a single shape or part will inspire and become the building block of a whole Idea.
Website: www.tardysculpture.com
Artist Name: Donald F. Montileaux
Artist Statement: David W Johnson and his wife Jan, met Mr. Montileaux at the SD Hall of Fame in Chamberlain, where he invited them to attend the Native American Art Show in Sioux Falls. It was there that they found this picture “The Enchanted Buffalo”.
Well known for using ledger and watercolor papers as well as canvas and animal hides to create his work. A world-renowned artist, Mr. Montileaux attended the Institute of American Indian Art in Sante Fe, New Mexico, and Black Hills State College in Spearfish, SD. He was recently inducted into the 2014 SD Hall of Fame.
Website: donaldmontileaux.com
Artist Name: Pat Gerlach
Artist Statement: Pat Gerlach has been a professional wildlife photographer for 35 years. Specializing in work from the North Dakota Badlands and the prairie, he also photographs birds from the Florida Everglades, to Alaska, and animals in many western states. All photos are straight photography, no tricks.
Website: www.patgerlach.com
Artist Name: Gloria McRoberts
Artist Statement: I use natural, undyed wools in my work celebrating nature. This piece represents the "Live Oak Tree" known for its strength and far reaching branches.
Over many years my vision of sculptural weaving has evolved utilizing my own techniques and concepts. As a former high school art teacher I have a varied art background with emphasis in glass, however I am self-taught in fiber/weaving.
Website: www.gloriamcroberts.com
Artist Name: Jenny Braig
Artist Statement: My paintings invite you to step close. Full of texture and color, they offer a luxurious eye feast. The images in my art are representations of the places I live and travel. Some are very personal and others capture the feeling of a place. The surface of my work is alive and lush. The gestural sketching and scratching give the surface action. The act of painting and drawing are on display. The work is so real and full of life you are there, experiencing the hand and eye of the artist, and the reality of paint.
Website: www.rehfeldsonline.com/?portfolio=jenny-braig
Artist Name: Brad Kringen
Artist Statement: What’s important in my artwork is color, pattern, texture, and movement. If a painting has all of these qualities, I feel it is a successful composition.
Website: www.rehfeldsonline.com/portfolio/brad-kringen/
Artist Name: Brad Kringen
Artist Statement: What’s important in my artwork is color, pattern, texture, and movement. If a painting has all of these qualities, I feel it is a successful composition.
Website: www.rehfeldsonline.com/portfolio/brad-kringen/
Artist Name: Jerry Cook
Professional Background: Jerry Cook was raised in Worthington, MN and currently resides in Brandon, SD. Due to his farm and city upbringing Cook seeks to blend traditional painting formats with sculptural and textual elements. His fascination with texture, structure and light has lead him to create simple yet visually appealing pieces by utilizing different mediums, materials and technologies. Cook’s work pushes the viewer to observe the overall composition while also allowing them to get lost in the depth and fine detail of each peace.
Website: www.rehfeldsonline.com/portfolio/jerry-cook/
Artist Name: Idali Hall
Artist Statement: Inspiration for my art comes from mixing colors that are always a fascinating fusion. Every work is an exciting experiment, using different types of textures as a guide for colors, making the result a very unique piece. I think that all my art work has a little piece of me inside of it.
Website: www.rehfeldsonline.com/portfolio/idali-hall/
Artist Name: JoAnne Bird
Artist Statement: JoAnne’s paintings depict her Native American heritage, portraying the rich traditional way of life in a contemporary style. Much of her work is spiritual in nature and timeless.
Website: www.joannebird.com
Artist Name: Donald Montileaux
Artist Statement: A world-renowned artist and illustrator, Montileaux is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe. He has received awards, including induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2014.
Website: http://donaldmontileaux.com/
Artist Name: David Sieh
Artist Statement: David’s process begins with a moment of connectedness with nature: taking in sights, smells, and sounds. That which follows is a study of these observations. "My paintings are about the action and process of painting itself. What remains is the evidence of that process."
Website: http://www.pipercustomframing.com/david-siehs-method/
Visit David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segallerybydavidsieh/
Artist Name: Tom Clements
Artist Statement: Tom travels the United States with his wife, Chris, doing fine art shows while taking trips in between to capture the world's abundant beauty. Many customers feel a deep sense of peace or an "I wish I could stay right here" when viewing Tom's work. His goal is to create quiet moments in the midst of hectic days.
Website: https://www.tomclementsphotography.com/
Artist Name: Dick Termes
Artist Statement: Dick Termes, Spearfish, SD, is an internationally acclaimed artist and his one of a kind spherical paintings have been published in books all over the world. Unlike any other painter; Termes paints on spheres which, when completed, are known as Termespheres®. Each Termesphere® is a revolving three-dimensional space/time exploration of an entirely closed universe, meaning that what you see, rotating in front of you, is one complete world or environment.
Website: https://termespheres.com/
Artist Name: Sandy Ellyson, Watertown, SD
Artist Statement: Sandy's work can be viewed at the CENTURY ART GALLERY/Sandy Ellyson Art and Studio, 26 East Kemp Watertown, SD 57201
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandyellysonart/
Artist Name: Nelson Chasing Hawk, Winner, SD
Artist Statement: The uncanny life-like nature of his drawings and paintings allows the viewer to forget that Chasing Hawk’s works are not photographs.
Artist Name: Jennifer Lashbrook
Paint Chip Art portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsberg Time Cover (1996)
Artist Statement: Jennifer Lashbrook has become known for her ''Swatch Paintings''. This unique method of collage involves individually cut pieces of paint swatch paper arranged to create a stunning pixelated work of art. From a distance, the colors blend to create a photo realistic quality, with the individual 'pixels' becoming more distinguishable the closer one views the art. Jennifer is a modern impressionist, and her swatch paintings are the brushstrokes of the digital age.
Website: http://www.jenniferlashbrook.com