Imagining Community

Imagining Community was a series of ongoing artful gestures held in Vermillion throughout late 2020 and 2021. Opportunities for sharing space and experiencing art together were rare, and project artist Susan Heggestad was determined to bring fun and creative arts interventions aimed at bringing joy, calm, and healing into daily life.

The series was also an attempt to inspire local creatives to trust in the talents they possess to find ways to enliven the community and bring us together in new ways. The interventions were funded by a Change Network project grant supported by National Arts Strategies and the Bush Foundation.

ROOFTOP OPERA

“With an audience that camped on the sidewalks of Main Street and in the drive of a local bank, Tracelyn Gesteland, mezzo-soprano and her husband, Thor Gesteland, tenor present “Opera on the Rooftop!” [the evening of Thursday, July 22,] from the rooftop of the First Dakota Coyote Gallery, located next door the Coyote Twin Theatre in downtown Vermillion. They were accompanied by Diane Van Den Oever. The husband-and-wife duo performed several popular opera arias and Broadway show tunes.” – Vermillion Plain Talk

The performance was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Vermillion Cultural Association and USD Opera, as part of the Imagining Community series. Technical assistance was provided by Adams Production Services and Bliss Construction. #cultureiscommunity #artisforeveryone #imaginingcommunity

Street Piano

Vermillion’s street piano was welcomed to the community in September 2020 and is now located out front of Wynie Mae’s AVEDA Salon & Spa. Vibrantly painted by local artist and Change Network member Susan Heggestad, the piano welcomes impromptu musical performances and adds a little whimsy to downtown.

SCULPTURE WALK TOUR

Imagining Community spotlighted the sculptures and murals in Vermillion’s downtown with a walking tour in early November. Local artists presented on the process of metal sculpting and mural painting. The event was coordinated by the Downtown Sculpture Walk committee, and warm beverages were sponsored by Sara Bye Agency - Farmers Insurance.

COMMUNITY FLAG PROJECT KITS

The Community Flag Project is a little lesson in design and a creative endeavor in one easy package! Kids and adults alike are invited to create a flag to be featured in a virtual exhibit in spring 2021.