Our Commitment to the Arts
For decades, The Matthews has been a home for creativity in the Northern Black Hills. Though the gallery space is no longer part of our program, our commitment to the visual arts remains strong. Maintaining intentional efforts to support artists and sharing their work with the community. Through new programs, partnerships, and community opportunities, we will strive to continue to celebrate local artists and make visual art accessible throughout Spearfish and the Northern Hills. We are evolving how visual art is presented, expanding beyond traditional gallery walls to create new opportunities for artists and audiences alike. As the program grows, these are some of the opportunities we look forward to offering.
Open Calls for Exhibits
Through open calls, artists can exhibit in partner venues throughout Spearfish or in select spaces within the theater itself. These opportunities are designed to reach new audiences, foster community engagement, and provide artists with meaningful exposure in professional settings. By participating, artists help keep the spirit of the visual arts alive.
Online Gallery
Our online gallery expands opportunities for artists to share their work beyond the walls of the Opera House. This digital space showcases artwork from local and regional artists, making exhibitions accessible to a wider audience and allowing the community to experience new work anytime, from anywhere.
Through virtual exhibits, artist features, and rotating collections, the Online Gallery highlights the creativity of our region while providing artists with an additional platform to present their work, build visibility, and connect with new audiences.
MakeSpace Art Library
MakeSpace Art Library provides artists, students, and community members with access to a wide variety of art supplies, from paints and brushes to specialty tools. So creativity is never limited by resources. In addition to borrowing materials, MakeSpace offers open studio hours where individuals can work on personal projects, experiment with new techniques, or collaborate with other creatives in a supportive, flexible environment. Whether you’re exploring a new medium or deepening your practice, MakeSpace is a space to create, learn, and connect.
Spearfish ArtWalk
Much like Theater on the Run, the Matthews partners with local businesses to create unique art experiences outside traditional gallery spaces. The Spearfish ArtWalk is a community-wide celebration of creativity taking place June 20-21 in downtown Spearfish, with artwork remaining on display in partner locations through June 28. Local businesses transform into pop-up galleries, showcasing work by regional artists alongside pieces created by youth from the Canyon Hills Center Visiting Artist Program, a partnership with Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota supported by an Arts Midwest GIG Grant. Opening weekend receptions invite the community to meet artists, explore downtown, and experience art in welcoming public spaces.
Community Programming
The Matthews Opera House offers a range of community art programs designed to inspire creativity for artists of all ages and skill levels. From hands-on workshops and open studio hours to collaborative public art projects and special events like sip-and-paint sessions, there are countless ways to explore your artistic voice. These programs provide a welcoming space to learn, experiment, and connect with fellow creatives while celebrating the vibrant arts culture of our community.
Art Collaborations
The Matthews has a long history of bringing art into the broader community through collaborative projects and partnerships. Building on these experiences, the Matthews looks forward to developing new public art opportunities that place creativity in shared spaces throughout the Northern Hills. Future collaborations may include community-driven installations, artist-led projects, and partnerships that transform everyday places into meaningful encounters with art. Past initiatives have included the installation of an Art-O-Mat, creative programming with the Canyon Hills Center, and collaborations with students and faculty at Black Hills State University.
Our visual arts program is continually evolving, and many of the opportunities and collaborations described here are still in development. We are actively working with artists, community partners, and local organizations to shape programming that is engaging, accessible, and impactful. Additional details and updates will be shared as plans are finalized, so please check back regularly to learn more about upcoming workshops, events, and community art initiatives.
