Taking something as basic as dirt and sand and adding the elements of water and fire to make objects that are beautiful as well as functional is her focus. Beginning with low fire white clay 40 years ago, she has moved to stoneware and other types of clay. She uses alternative techniques that include Raku, horse hair, and saggar firing.

Processes that used to involve struggle and frustration are now second nature, and Bev is able to explore and experiment with new materials and techniques. Creating the pottery pieces is such a joy to her and the fact that others appreciate her art is always a surprise and encouragement.

Contact Bev at bevrose2018@gmail.com, on Facebook, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.

Today I design and build art projects of many types using wood and metal which also includes custom designs. I enjoy seeing ideas come to realization through the process and into the final products.

Contact Curtis at curtisbietz65@gmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view his work.

As a young adult, Darlene became fascinated with the Native American culture and their connection with the land and animals. She began studying and then creating portraits, capturing in her work the pride, majesty and mystery of the Native American people.

In 1971, Darlene moved with her family to Colorado and for 30 years used the Rocky Mountains as her inspiration. Although Indian portraits in pastel are her first love, she also enjoys working in oil, acrylics, and watercolor, depicting animals and landscapes in many moods.

Darlene is mostly self taught; however, after becoming a selling artist, she was finally able to achieve her dream of going to art school. She is a graduate of Rocky Mountain School of Art in Denver, Colorado. She has received various awards over the years at shows and exhibitions, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. Other events include the Custer Stampede Art Auction in Custer, SD. Darlene has participated for seven years creating her vision for the Table Top Buffalo form, as well as free form pieces.

Darlene’s artwork has sold across the country.

Now settled in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, she creates works of art that reflect the area’s past and present.

Contact Darlene at Featherstone@goldenwest.net, darlenelines.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.

He raised a family of four with his wife Julie in the Black Hills and broadened his hobbies to include DJ-ing, karate, photography (from his children’s sports to wildlife), triathlon, and travel. Since retiring, his enthusiasm for the outdoors continues to blossom with fitness, photography, and his lifelong passion, woodworking. 

His woodcraft production started in the 90’s with pens. He made and sold over 800. He’s a stickler for detail from simple trivets to complex multimedia works. “Woodworking is an interesting dance. Each piece of wood has its own beauty and character. Sometimes you lead. Sometimes the wood does (He has had a piece of Bolivian Rosewood in the shop for over 30 years waiting for the right project)”. He’s collected over 30 species and is always thrilled to discover unique “finds” in South Dakota’s wilderness.   Dave is a meticulous technician and strives to capture and accentuate nature’s beauty in his art. 

“I seem to eat, sleep and dream art. It’s a rare moment when I’m not contemplating my next painting or wearable art design. My mother used to tell me that I would wear out my hands.”

Since her college years at the University of Nebraska, Glenda has worked in several styles and mediums. The creative process has seen her paintings evolve from photo realism to a mix of realism and a more painterly and expressive statement. By incorporating feathers and found objects, viewers are able to bring their own interpretations and memories to her visual story. Her jewelry style combines many bead techniques reminiscent of Native American influence.

“As time passes, I hope to share what I see as my spiritual journey through the Nebraska and South Dakota landscapes.”

Glenda’s work can be found at:

Old Market Artists Gallery (Omaha, NE)
Art Expressions (Custer, SD)
Reflections of South Dakota Art Gallery (Rapid City, SD)

Going home after school, she would relax with art, doing activities that lessened the stress from a hectic day of work. Other teachers thought she was a bit wacky, “going home to do art to relax!”

While residing in Mobridge, SD, Jane was involved with the art shop called Art on the Corner. Several artists in the community were asked to display and sell their artwork in an old bank building owned by a gentleman from Minnesota. The old bank was an item of interest to all who stopped to view it, and this opportunity started Jane on her path as a paid artist.

Mobridge artists also hosted a popular art show in the spring which is now a 45 year institution. The show was opened to all local artists. Judges came from surrounding communities, and Jane entered and won several awards, one of which was the Judges Choice.

In 2020, Jane and her husband, Lowell, moved to Custer, attracted by the beautiful area, the gorgeous landscapes, the intriguing wild animals, and the mild climate. Though a difficult move, they’re happily settled here now, and Jane discovered new support for her artwork among other artists and new friends through Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in the downtown area,

The gallery is comprised of many artists from around the area and even out of state. Jane’s diverse art pieces, which include acrylic, watercolor, pencil, and alcohol ink, are displayed at Art Expressions. She also tries her hand at various mediums and new art forms whenever possible. Jane enjoys painting commission pieces, as well as sharing her work with family and friends. She finds art a pleasant relaxation, and continually strives to improve her artwork.

Contact Jane at lllooyenga@hotmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.

I enjoy working with my hands, but my end goal is to make the world a more beautiful and excellent place by materializing my creative spark through my craft.

Contact Jared at wildbearforge@gmail.com, Instagram.com/wild.bear.forge, or by phone at 952-412-9763, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view his work.

Contact Jim at jtiller@hotmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view his work.

Contact Judi at juditiller@gmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.

Kim had put his portrait career on hold in order to pursue creating and selling Fine Art Photography. His love of outdoor and landscape imagery is reflected in the dramatic and stunning photographs on display locally.

A South Dakota resident since 2004, Kim owns a home in Custer with his wife, Roxanne.

Contact Kim at traveltoshoot@hotmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view his work.

After raising three sons and keeping way too busy, I picked up stained glass as well as a variety of other art mediums. For me, art is a spiritual experience and I approach it as a spiritual discipline. God is a Creator and we are made in His image. Therefore, we were created to be creators. Art is one of the avenues in which I can fulfill my calling.

Contact Mark at drmarkbutcher@gmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view his work.

 use real leaves that grow on my land to create my pottery and add to my sculpture. I also like to use the ancient Japanese art of Raku to fire my pottery that looks metallic. The mat finished colors come from modified pit fire technique I use on the other pieces of pottery and sculpture.

My jewelry includes these techniques, along with flame work beads and copper and brass wires.

I love to paint landscapes, especially of the southwestern area of the Black Hills, because I love the red sandstone hills there.

Contact Mary Jo at mjmarcy@gwtc.net, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.

She went to the University of North Dakota to study geology. While she went there for science, she didn’t forget her love of art. Morgan would host “art nights” in her dorm commons area, meeting new people while developing her own skills and sharing art with others. She painted often, especially to destress during midterms and finals. Even when she moved out of the dorms, she made a point to continue hosting these “art nights” with her friends, even creating an art wall with her and her friends’ paintings. 
Morgan did take a couple of art classes in college, all focused on drawing, but she is mostly self-taught. In high school she focused on charcoal and graphite pieces. In college she developed her skills with painting using acrylics. And recently, she learned she has a knack for watercolors. Her art is always evolving as she learns new techniques and mediums! 

Paul has done this type of work across the Black Hills, the Dakotas, and in many of our National Parks. The results are published in several beautiful coffee-table books, all available at Art Expressions and all signed for you by the author.

Contact Paul at paulhorsted.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view his work.

I currently live in Box Elder, SD with my husband, Doug, my son, Dean, and our dogs, Sorscha and Luna.

I have been fascinated with wood from a very early age. My grandfather, father, and brothers have all been carpenters. Quite literally, wood has always been in my life, which is why it is such an important part of my art. I can remember going to my father and wanting a sheet of plywood to draw on as a kid, and he gave me a piece of foam insulation instead. Needless to say, even as a five-year-old, I was a bit saddened that I couldn’t have the wood to draw on.

As an adult, I work with wood mainly, frequently saving discarded and unwanted pieces from becoming trash. These pieces become my canvases, and I strive to let the beauty of the wood shine through.

Contact Sam at samheltibridle.com, Facebook.com/Sam.Heltibridle, SamHeltibridle.etsy.com, Instagram.com/SamuHeltibridle,
… and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.

I have many hobbies and interests. I absolutely love people and animals and get most of my inspiration from the best artist of all… God. I love abstract and modern designs but also appreciate all forms of art. Some of my interests include: my family, horses, dogs, guitar, photography, hiking, biking, basketball, volleyball, running, lifting weights, interior design, teaching, and, of course, painting, just to name a few. I love going to art galleries, open mics, and music festivals.

I have not had an easy life, but all of my hard times made me a better, more loving person. I am grateful for all the ups and downs because that is what brought me to my faith and the everlasting peace I have from knowing my savior Jesus Christ. He has blessed me in so many ways, especially with an amazing husband and healthy, wonderful family. I could not ask for more.

I want to share my art and also help others, so I decided this year that I would paint with purpose and give the proceeds from my art to others in need. I am excited to share pieces of me and help others along the way. It is my greatest joy… to give and share Christ. I have been blessed and want to bless others.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little. I hope you enjoy the art you see and all the art around you in this beautiful world.

Contact Twyla at twylaohlrogge@hotmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.