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The town of Sisseton is home to a generous amount of diverse creativity. Over the last few years, the number of public artworks displayed in and around the area has grown dramatically thanks to the Sisseton Arts Council, forward-thinking local businesses, and the artists themselves.
This is a FREE self-guided tour of the many public artworks in and around the Sisseton area. Come check out the various murals, sculptures, and other works of art located throughout the Sisseton community.
Informational Maps are available at City Hall to help guide you on your journey or click HERE to download the digital version.
Located at the Sisseton Baseball Field on Highway 10, this new mural expresses the youthful & vibrant energy of the kids and serves a beacon to know where to get your treats while at the ballpark.
Just a quick stroll down Veterans Avenue downtown Local artists to include artists from the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, were all invited to take part. Art works include paintings, poetry, photography, and documentation. A total of ten panels were created with themes ranging from cross-cultural celebrations, historical traditions, and environmental preservation and conservation of the Coteau des Prairies and the Lake Traverse Reservation.
The East Roundabout sculpture “Cloud Horse” was created by Alan Milligan. The family of feral horses appear to be running wild across the Coteau des Prairies, their curved lines echoing the hills, the wind and the waves on our prairie lakes.
Located on the east side of Sisseton on Highway 10, Eddie has setup shop as you head in to Tri State Building Center. His wide array of chainsaw-cut wood sculptures are on display. Every visit yields new works of art by the diligent artist.
Continue south of Agency Village to the intersection of BIA 700 and Roberts Co. #5 to see a majestic buffalo sculpture grazing on the prairie reflecting the merger of two cultures. Local artists Tonya Holter, Steve Finnesand and Shane Braaten brought “Sacrifice” to life by upcycling old farm equipment and scrap iron gathered from pastures and tree shelters. Although the property is privately owned, visitors are welcome to stop and enjoy a closer look at the sculpture.
Sisseton's newest sculpture is being created just south of downtown by local artist Inkpa Mani. Seven ascending limestone blocks lead the viewer to the focal point, a Dakota woman which represents the many strong women and matriarchs past and present we all come from and the legacy they leave behind.
Just south of Sisseton at Agency Village is the “The Drum Building” on the campus of Sisseton Wahpeton College. Looming more than 50-foot high, the Vocational Technical Education Building is an octagon-shaped drum surrounded by fiberglass figures representing four Dakota singers, the basis for the building’s official name “Song to the Great Spirit.” Traditional Dakota elements are part of the architecture of the college's auditorium and library as well as the nearby Tribal headquarters and Tiospa Zina Tribal School.
A hidden gem just off of Veterans Avenue this mural was commissioned by GrowSD and created by local artists Alexis Monroe and Nicholas Blaske. The bright vibrant colors of the sunrise draw the viewer in as the eagle keeps watch and represents a prominent symbol in both Dakota culture and American imagery.
Just a mile south of Sisseton past the western roundabout is Memorial Park. There you will find a monument with the Dakota words Mi’ksuya (Remember Me) Wicounkikisuyapi (We Remember Them) and pays tribute to the Native American Children who once lived there.
Just a mile west of Sisseton on Highway 10 is the Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center. In addition to the breathtaking views overlooking the Coteau des Prairies from atop the tower, several murals depicting the historical significance of the site by artist John S. Wilson are located inside the Interpretive Center.
Entering Sisseton on Highway 10, you will be greeted by sculptures in the roundabouts on Eighth Avenue East and Eighth Avenue West. Artist Greg Mueller’s “Pathway Parabola” in the West Roundabout features design elements found in nature such as tree trunks and branches, as well as the nomadic tepee structure. The leaf and fish cut-outs in the panels are illuminated at night creating a constellation effect.
In the heart of town, at the intersection of Highway 10 and Veterans Avenue, you will be greeted by the sculpture “Reflections,” created by local artist, Nicholas Blaske. The eight-pointed star is a significant symbol in Sisseton’s Dakota & Scandinavian cultures. The sculpture’s mirrored finish invites viewers to see themselves as part of the community.
Seven miles south of Sisseton just off of BIA 700, the Tribal Administration Building is located at the heart of Agency Villag. The entire facility is a symbol of a great culture, whom have persevered through a trying history and are presently flourishing as a strong people. Several murals, artifacts, and other works of art are adorned throughout the building.
Up and down Veterans Avenue, these vibrant flower pots can be seen reflecting the unique symbol of the Sisseton cultural history. Blending both Dakota and Norwegian iconography, this design was created by local artist Nicholas Blaske. Steve Finnesand, local artist & welder, fabricated these and local organizations and businesses have volunteered their time and efforts painting them.
Just as you turn north at the corner of Highway 10 and Veterans Avenue, a unique and creative mural using found objects can bee seen that was created by the Art students at Sisseton High School guided by teacher Tonya Holter.
Also located south of Sisseton in Agency Village is the mural “Place Where We Keep the Book” on the side of the library on the Sisseton Wahpeton College campus. Elders Orsen Bernard, Olivia Eastman, Wayne Eastman, Delbert Pumpkinseed and David Seaboy had a cultural input on the brick mural with Dakota Values forever carved into the brick.
Downtown Sisseton has its namesake front and center on the Grow South Dakota building, on the east side of Veterans Avenue, created by local artists Alexis Monroe and Nicholas Blaske. The Roberts County Courthouse is also in view, as is the eagle which is the focus of their other mural in town.
On the north side of the Grow South Dakota building there's a fun and interactive mural you can take a selfie at. Be sure to add the hashtag #GrowSD
Downtown Sisseton, at Anderson Park, there will be a bright & vibrant mural painted on the basketball court and hoops thanks to local artists, the Sisseton Arts Council and the youth of the area.
In Anderson Park, just west of Veterans Avenue, a mural created in a fence that the was a partnership between local artist Nicholas Blaske, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribal member, Bryan Akipa, and resident artist, Markus Tracy. They each collaborated on aspects of the design to bring both Dakota and Scandinavian iconography together.
Together with the help of the Sisseton Arts Council, First Savings Bank, and local artists from The NEW Old artist collective, this unique outdoor art gallery will soon be viewed through the alley between First Savings Bank and the old Stavig Building, just west of Veterans Avenue.
This unique, fun, and musical art installation can be viewed and played with at the Sisseton baseball fields, just south of Highway 10 by Pizza Hut. A special thanks to Grow South Dakota for making this happen!