Augustana Eide/Dalrymple Gallery Showcasing Work of One of South Dakota’s Most Distinguished Sculptors

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery at Augustana University is presenting "Shrines and Portals: Darrel Nelson," an exhibition of assemblage sculptures by one of South Dakota's most distinguished sculptors. The exhibit is on view through Thursday, Nov. 6, with a closing reception on Nov. 6 and free public artist talk the same evening at 7:30 p.m.

"Our world is inundated with human-fabricated objects, most of which we do not need to examine or even notice. In this exhibit, I have tried to fashion their antidote - objects that invite prolonged, particular contemplation," shared Nelson. "They not only reveal more of my own life journey than I expected, but honor the landscape where I live."

Nelson holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in art from Bethel College, St. Paul, Minnesota, and a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in woodcut printmaking from King Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea. From 1980-89, Nelson taught sculpture as a part of the joint art program of Augustana and Sioux Falls College - earning the title of assistant professor. After two years at South Dakota State University (SDSU), he became the director of the new APEX Gallery and associate professor of art at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota. He has also worked as a graphic designer, illustrator, set designer and fabricator. Between 2000-11, he held several roles, including exhibits curator, programming coordinator and interpretation coordinator at Adams Museum in Deadwood, South Dakota. From 2012-21, he served as the exhibits director for Deadwood History, Inc.

All of Nelson's sculptures are assemblages, created by bringing together disparate-found objects that are then combined into a new form. Nelson particularly favors wood, which he carves and finishes, and then combines with other natural materials, including animal bones and fossils.

Eide/Dalrymple Gallery & Liturgical Arts Coordinator and Instructor of Sculpture & 3D Design John Peters was integral in bringing "Shrines and Portals" to Augustana. Peters has followed the work of Nelson since the '80s when Peters curated an exhibition of Nelson's work for the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery.

"I have always been impressed with Nelson's use of found materials and his craftsmanship, which he employs to explore unusual and thought-provoking ideas," said Peters. "He is a fascinating person to speak with, and I have long admired his aesthetic sensibilities."

As part of "Shrines and Portals," Nelson will also meet with Augustana Art Department students. Beginning sculpture students currently working on a project using found objects, will gain inspiration from Nelson's inventive constructions. For advanced students, the exhibition provides an opportunity to study how Nelson transforms everyday materials into expressive works that communicate significant concepts.

About the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery

As a part of Augustana University, the mission of the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery is to contribute to the educational and cultural vitality of the university, surrounding community and state of South Dakota. The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery inspires the artists of today and tomorrow, and serves as a resource for teaching and promoting life-long learning through its permanent collection and temporary exhibition program with accompanying artist visits, gallery talks and educational materials.

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery is named after Palmer Eide and Ogden Dalrymple, pioneering Augustana professors emeriti of art. Many of their collaborative works are spread throughout the campus.

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery is located at 30th Street and Grange Avenue, in the Center for Visual Arts at Augustana. The gallery is open to the public and free of charge. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturdays, from 1-4 p.m.