Suzie Cappa Center for Art Expression and Enjoyment

Dakota Dreams 

Performers from Black Hills Workshop took part in Dakota Dreams, part of the grand opening for the new Main Street Square Saturday, November 26 .  Cindy Roan Eagle, Wyman Red Star Flora, Dean Baker, Heather Morris, Elizabeth Warner, Shad Bebout, Rick Van Eyk,  and Brad Winter appeared in the production which kicked off the lighting of the Main Street Square Christmas tree and the annual parade  of lights.

This unique piece of theatre featured 45 mixed-ability performers artistically blending modern dance, inspirational melodies, puppetry and traditional Lakota drumming and singing into a dazzling tribute to the state of South Dakota. It was funded by the Jennifer Avery  Memorial Fund, Salon One and Wal-Mart. The production was directed and designed by Heather Pickering with choreography by  Andrea Schaefer.

Artists show work at Dahl

The Suzie Cappa Center is having its annual show at the Dahl Arts Center from through January 28. The show, called THREADS, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Fridays until 7 p.m. It's closed on Mondays.

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The Suzie Cappa Center for Art Expression and Enjoyment

Black Hills Workshop and Training Center provides services and supports to over 600 adults with disabilities in the Rapid City area. The Suzie Cappa Center for Art Expression and Enjoyment was established in December 2001 in memory of Suzie Cappa who received services from Black Hills Workshop. It is a non-profit studio where artists with all abilities create, exhibit, and sell their work and participate in music, theatre, and dance.

The Suzie Cappa Center provides work space and materials in a variety of ongoing sessions facilitated by professional artists, volunteers, and Black Hills Workshop staff. It is an inspirational place which encourages independence and artistic freedom, a place where one can enjoy the creative process and develop artistically in a supportive atmosphere.  Artists study and create in a wide variety of artistic mediums, including photography, ceramics, collage, music, acrylic and watercolor painting, batik, weaving and sculpture. At the Suzie Cappa Center, we believe: 

• Disability is not a boundary. All people can be creative in a supportive environment.
• Creative expression fosters personal growth and self-esteem. Recognition of creative efforts by others gives the artist a feeling of worth that carries over into all areas of his/her life.
• Exhibitions which integrate the work of artists with and without disabilities help others see past preconceived notions of disability and begin to honor the creative spirit of every person. 
• Creating art professionally adds value to one’s life. Through the cultivation of their talents, people with disabilities make contributions to the cultural and economic life of our community.

At the Suzie Cappa Center, our mission is to provide a supportive, inspiring environment where artists can explore their creativity through a variety of means and create, exhibit, and sell their work in the community. We welcome your involvement in this mission.

Financial gifts and donations of art supplies are welcome! In particular, we need frames, markers, colored pencils, paint brushes, acrylic and watercolor paints, mounted canvas, foam core, easels, and pottery supplies. Volunteers are always needed to assist with classes. To learn more, see us on the web at www.bhws.com or see our art center store at www.bhwsfoundation.org. You can also contact us at scappa@bhws.com or call Brad A. Winter at 605-343-4581 ext. 355 or 605-209-3154.

 (Ongoing funding for the Suzie Cappa Center comes from individual donations and grants. Many of our projects are possible with support from the South Dakota Arts Council, provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism and State Development and the National Endowment for the Arts.)