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During this “in between” time going into the New Year, I’ve been thinking about all of the arts opportunities unique to Watertown. And while this format may be a result of the marathon of Christmas music I’ve recently enjoyed, allow me to share my “Watertown Art Scene’s Twelve Days of Christmas.”
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On the First Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Arts Night at the Pub! Each month on the second Thursday, a local artist is featured at Dempsey’s ATY at the Watertown Regional Airport. Come on out and meet author Katy Webb at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8. The Art Talk begins at 6:30 p.m. This monthly gathering is organized by Northern Prairie Arts (your local arts council.)
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On the Second Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Codington County Heritage Museum! In addition to having historic displays about Watertown and the region, the museum (27 First Ave. SE) offers a monthly History Club, youth classes during the summer, the fantastic Carnegie Christmas Market and this past year, debuted the first-ever “Art Alley Gallery” outside the building.
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On the Third Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Watertown Concert Association! If there’s a better value for your dollar for live entertainment, we aren’t aware of it. The Watertown Concert Association selects a full season of professional concerts, which are held in the D.D. Miller Auditorium. Adult season tickets are $50, while student season tickets can be purchased for $20. www.concertassociation.net/watertownsd.
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On the Fourth Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Watertown Regional Library! All year long our local library (160 Sixth St. NE) creates programs for toddlers, youth, teens and adults. This past year has seen everything from puzzle competitions to sewing classes. In addition, the Friends of Watertown Regional Library bring in interesting speakers throughout the year – and the legendary Used Book Sale each year in the fall.
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On the Fifth Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: The Goss Opera House! While the building itself in downtown Watertown is a historic treasure, the entertainment lineup puts it over the top. The annual “Passport to the Arts” program provides wonderful opportunities for young artists. And the annual concert series brings world-class entertainers to the Reliabank Theater stage inside the Goss. www.thegossoperahouse.com
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On the Sixth Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Town Players Theater! How fitting that Watertown’s community theater is located on Broadway Street. Local directors, actors and creative costume and stagehands bring entertainment to life. Tickets for the next production, “Four Weddings and an Elvis” go on sale Jan. 30. www.townplayers.net
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On the Seventh Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: The Watertown ArtWalk! Located primarily in Downtown Watertown, these wonderful sculptures are sponsored by members of our community, along with support from the good folks at the Watertown Area Community Foundation. This display changes annually. Sculptures are also located at Lake Area Technical College, the Redlin Art Center and near Meyer Insurance on Willow Creek Drive.
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On the Eighth Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: The Mellette House! This historic residence, once occupied by South Dakota’s first Gov. Arthur Mellette, maintains regular visitor hours during the warmer months of the year. Volunteers will provide interesting background stories on the Mellette family, as well as the historic furnishings in the house.
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On the Ninth Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Author Talks at DDR Books! Watertown’s independent bookstore, DDR Books, frequently hosts local and regional authors. Store owners Donus & Lovila Roberts have also curated a masterpiece of titles in their downtown Watertown location at 7 South Maple. Watch for Donus Roberts’ monthly book review column in The Current.
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On the Tenth Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Terry Redlin Art Center! This spectacular gallery of Terry Redlin’s original artwork also hosts live entertainment throughout the year in the lower level theater. The grounds around the Redlin Art Center also provide a wonderful place for a walk when the weather cooperates.
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On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Watertown Municipal Band! Of course, we’re already looking forward to summer – and performances by the Watertown Municipal Band. Comprised of musicians from the community, the band concerts have found a following on Sunday evenings at the Watertown Area Community Foundation Plaza.
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On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, the Art Scene gave to me: Northern Prairie Arts! Your local arts council taps into talented instructors from the region to offer classes ranging from “Barn Quilt Painting” to “Soap Making” to “Wood Carving 101.” And since they believe there’s an artist residing in us all, Northern Prairie Arts also hosts an annual Group Challenge Exhibition. This year’s theme is “Taking Flight.” The juried show will take place on Feb. 12. Look for complete details at www.NorthernPrairieArts.org.
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As 2026 approaches, we’re certain to experience even more one-of-a-kind arts activities and cultural events here in Watertown! If there’s an event or opportunity you wish to share, send me a note at twilaschmitt@gmail.com. (And if you need to get this tune out of your head, may I suggest “Auld Lang Syne?”)
