Public Art

One of the most visible aspects of the work at the Hill City Arts Council is the public art we have helped to put in our community. In fact, our first effort to assist in the effort to place a monument on the street redefined the HCAC's impact on not only Hill City, but also the state.

The project occurred thanks to sculptor Peggy Detmers, renowned for her work on "Tatanka, the Story of the Bison," a 17-piece, larger-than-life monument just outside Deadwood. The bison sculpture she created for Hill City is called "Patriarch," and it welcomes visitors into the heart of Hill City. The sculpture project required years of work, both for Peggy and for the Arts Council, which partnered with the community's Heart of the Hills Economic Development Corporation to raise the funds. After installation, the sculpture was donated by HCAC to the City.

The second public art piece is John Lopez's "Iron Star," a hybrid-metal sculpture that sits in front of Jewels of the West and Dakota Nature & Art on Main Street in Hill City. The HCAC is still raising funds to continue paying for "Iron Star," and donations are greatly appreciated.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or visit the sculpture and drop your donation in the box by the sculpture.

"Iron Star" has caused waves far across the region, and indeed the sculpture has been called "the most photographed horse in South Dakota."

Keep your eye on us for the development of a Public Art Walk, part of a community strategic plan for beautification.