Austin Kramer, a junior at Dell Rapids High School, had his artwork chosen to be printed on note cards for Governor Dennis Daugaard as well as Senator Scott Fiegen as part of Arts Advocacy Day at the Legislature.  Kramer was one of ten artists invited to attend the event to present his artwork.  Kramer will present the artwork to Governor Daugaard.  The high school art teacher is Rick Mott.

Along with Kramer’s artwork, two other students had their artwork chosen to be printed on note cards.  Hannah Heiberger, an eighth-grader, will have artwork printed on note cards for Representative Roger Hunt.  Cameron Espinoza, an eighth-grader, will have artwork printed on note cards for Representative Kris Langer.  The middle school art teacher is Pat Gengler.

Arts Advocacy Day at the Legislature will highlight arts education in the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 10th.

The biennial observance focuses attention on the importance of the arts in the lives of South Dakotans.  More than 120 pieces of student art from every legislative district adorn note cards, one for every legislator, Gov. Dennis Daugaard, Lt. Gov. Matt Michels, Secretary of State Shantel Krebs and Tourism Secretary James Hagen.

“Teachers from every South Dakota legislative district assist in this arts advocacy project, showcasing the creativity of our young people and their own teaching skills,” according to Michael Pangburn, South Dakota Arts Council Executive Director.  “The artwork will serve as a daily reminder to our legislators that the arts are an integral part of learning and living in South Dakota.”

Arts Advocacy Day at the Legislature is sponsored by the South Dakota Arts Council and Arts South Dakota.

South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Visit www.artscouncil.sd.gov for more information.

Arts South Dakota is a new statewide arts service and advocacy organization.  Arts South Dakota improves the lives of South Dakotans as a catalyst for creative and artistic expression in communities and schools. Visit www.ArtsSouthDakota.org.