Granary Programs

Mission Statement

The mission of the Granary is to develop the visual fine arts within small communities in North and South Dakota where access is very limited for artists and the public. The Granary's program for high schools is to develop a partnership in fine arts education with small rural schools that are critically under-served, and to build a constituency that advocates strong Fine Arts programs in schools.

The Granary activities and events brings artists and the public together to celebrate the fine arts creations. The high school program is a unique fine arts experience for high school students.

Youth need encouragement and opportunities within their schools and community to develop their creative ability in the arts just as they are provided support to develop athletic skills. Young artists must be recognized for excellence for their artistic creations and contributions. The Granary gives student artists recognition that is carried back to their community and school. For those schools that have very limited or no visual fine arts program, the Granary is an experience in fine arts that is not available to them elsewhere.

High School Program

All Dakota High School Fine Arts Exhibition

This event is held annually at the Granary Campus during the first week in May.

Receiving an award at the All Dakota High School Fine Arts Exhibition

The event is a comprehensive fine arts experience for students in grades 7-12. The event includes intensive hands-on workshops and seminars led by professional artists, and a competitive visual arts exhibition. Students share this artistic experience with their peers from communities throughout the region. The exposure to professional artists at the event is a mentoring experience for students as well as teachers.

During the program, each student exhibits an original fine arts creation in one of six categories. All exhibits are professionally hung in the Granary Galleries and judged by a team of professional artists. Each participant competes as an individual and as a member of their school team. The combined exhibits of the members of each team competes with entries of all other teams. First, second and third place awards are given to individual winners in each category, a traveling trophy is given to the best team exhibit from a North Dakota school and best team exhibit from a South Dakota school. A scholarship award is given to the student for the single exhibit judged as "Best of Show".

Gathering outside Putney Hall

Additionally, the students themselves judge the artwork of their peers. A student's choice award in each category is recognized at the exhibition.

The exhibition of all entries is held on display in the five Granary Galleries and is open daily for public viewing for two weeks following the event.

High School Outreach Project

The emphasis of the project is to inspire and encourage creative activity among students who have limited opportunities in the visual fine arts. The outreach project is led by a practicing fine artist from the Granary Community with both educational training and professional experience. The artist visits schools during the school year and leads educational and workshop-type activities. The artist shows the development of his/her original works, and discusses techniques and the development of themes. The artist lends assistance in artistic technique and encouragement to students. The students own artwork in progress can be discussed by the student and artist.

The content and conduct of the outreach project will vary from time-to-time depending on the skill and discipline of the project leader. This flexibility allows the program to be innovative in presentation, and can offer a variety of stimulating fine arts experiences for students.