‘Deck the Walls’ event calls for artists

Northern Prairie Arts is bringing back the juried show after a five-year absence.


Entries are need for the Deck the Walls art contest sponsored by Northern Prairie Arts.

Following a five-year absence, Northern Prairie Arts is bringing back “Deck the Walls” and is looking for local artists and writers for this juried show scheduled for November 14.

The signature arts show and sale will be held in conjunction with November’s Arts Night at the Pub, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Dempsey’s at the Airport.

“In addition to having their art on display, we’ll also feature interviews with the artists who are exhibiting,” said Ralph Wamsher, Northern Prairie Arts board member. “This will also be livestreamed for those who aren’t able to attend in person.”

“Deck the Walls” was originally started by a group of local artists 22 years ago as a way to showcase their original work right before the holidays. It started out in the local artists’ studios and has been held in various other Watertown locations from a local banquet hall to the mall.

Wamsher said the Northern Prairie Arts planning committee is excited about the open air concept the Watertown Airport terminal offers as a backdrop for this year’s “Deck the Walls” event. The committee is hoping to attract artists and writers from across Northeastern South Dakota and nearby Minnesota communities.

Artists and writers are asked to submit two images of the original work they would show (with a $10 jury fee) at the organization’s website: www.northernprairiearts.org/2024-Deck-The-Walls. Submission deadline is Oct. 15. Those artists and writers who are selected will then be required to submit a $25 booth fee for the event.

“All the fees collected will be used to advertise the event,” said Wamsher who also encourages local artists to become reacquainted with Northern Prairie Arts, the organization which works all year long to be a network for creatives and artist promotion.

“‘Deck the Walls’ will be a great opportunity once again to showcase the impressive talents of our local artists – all things created individually by hand,” said Wamsher.

For additional information on “Deck the Walls” or upcoming Northern Prairie Arts events, reach out to Wamsher at 605-520-5159 or email ArtsNight@outlook.com.