Meet our Artists …
ADARE DIERS, pencil and pastel artist
I am a self taught colored pencil artist specializing in animal portraits. My primary business is doing pet portraits but when not doing a pet portrait, I am busy painting a collection of animals of the Black Hills.
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I experimented initially with various mediums and through trial and error discovered I enjoyed using colored pencils and pastels for my drawings. Using colored pencils enables me to obtain the exact detail of the animal I am drawing and the clean up afterwards is easy.
Presently, my collection of art can be viewed at the Art Expressions Gallery in Custer, where I share the gallery with 26 other very talented artists. You can also contact me at adiers2@gmail.com.
BEV ROSE, Bev Rose Pottery, pottery artist
Artist Bev Rose lives northeast of the tiny community of Green Grass South Dakota, down on the Moreau River. Creating art has been a part of her life ever since she can remember. Beauty of the land and the history of the people who live there are the biggest influences in her art. She has worked in many different media but at this time is enjoying the challenge of creating pottery.
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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.
CURTIS BIETZ, metal artist
After serving three years in the military, I decided to go back to college and earned a degree in Industrial Arts. I had the opportunity to teach Technical Design, Metalworking and Woodworking to high school students for 38 years.
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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.
DEB WALLENBERG – Photographer
I’m Deb Wallenberg, a professional photographer based in the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota.
With a deep-rooted passion for wildlife photography, I have spent the past 35 years honing my skills and capturing the beauty of nature. In my extensive career,
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I have worked on a wide range of photography projects, including portraits, weddings, events, sports, and, of course, capturing the essence of wildlife. Recently, I decided to retire from running my business and focus primarily on my love for wildlife and the great outdoors.
I am proud to showcase my work at our local co-op gallery, located in downtown Custer, South Dakota. If you happen to be in town, I encourage you to visit the gallery and explore the diverse range of talented artists and their unique mediums. Photography is my true calling, and I find immense joy in capturing moments that tell a story.
Through my images, I aim to share the captivating beauty of wildlife with the world. Whether it’s a majestic portrait or a candid shot, I want to evoke emotions and spark conversations about the urgent need to protect and conserve our planet’s endangered species.
My love for photography stems from an early age, with my passion taking root in the enchanting landscapes and untamed wilderness of South Dakota. As a self-taught photographer, I have dedicated countless hours to immersing myself in books and hands-on experiences, constantly refining my technique and pushing the boundaries of creativity in my work.
Beyond photography, I am an avid hiker and biker, spending a significant amount of time outdoors to nurture my connection with nature. It is through these adventures that I draw inspiration for my art, capturing the ethereal beauty of the natural world before it inevitably changes.
The power of art to evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and facilitate conversations is something I firmly believe in. My dedication to wildlife photography not only fulfills my artistic pursuits but also serves as a profound effort to raise awareness about the vulnerable state of our planet’s wildlife.
I aspire to leave a lasting legacy through my art, producing images that will endure long after I am gone. My ultimate goal is to make a significant contribution to the art world and make a difference by documenting and preserving our rapidly vanishing wildlife.
I invite you to join me on this extraordinary journey as I capture the mesmerizing essence of wildlife through my lens. Thank you for taking the time to appreciate my work, and I hope my images bring a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.
For additional information visit Deb’s website: www.dakotamoments.com or contact Deb through email dakotamoments@goldenwest.net
DARLENE LINES, acrylic, pastel and leather artist
Born and raised on a farm in North Dakota, Darlene has a deep love of the land, animals and native cultures. She started drawing as a child and found expression in creating works of art depicting the land its animals.
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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.
DENICE FOX, western theme scratchboard artist
Denice’s work as an artist revolves around capturing the beauty and essence of the world around her through the intricate technique of scratchboard. This medium allows her to convey depth and detail with simplicity and elegance, creating pieces that speak volumes with just a few carefully placed lines
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Contact Denice at denicefox@gmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.
DOUGLAS RILEY, pastel, watercolor, acrylic artist
I took art classes in high school but it wasn’t for another 41 years before I started to take classes again. Over the past 5 years I have been working in soft pastels. My main subject is landscapes and the sky. The land and sky are never the same day to day and you can paint the same scene and never be the same.
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Contact Douglas at driley0558@aol.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view his work.
EDWARD GALLUCCI – Photographer
Bio Coming Soon
GLENDA STONE, jewelry, painting, textile, feather artist
Nebraska native who grew up in Omaha, Glenda has been surrounded by craftsmen and artists since birth. Given a free moment she has always preferred to work with her hands, creating something that she and others could enjoy.
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“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)
JANE LOOYENGA, artist in several mediums
Jane was a K-8 educator for about 40 years, and during that time, she was required to teach her own art class. In the beginning it was a bit scary, but soon she found she had talents she had not yet discovered. Art soon came to be a favorite thing to teach, and students liked it as well.
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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.
JARED ASHTON, Wild Bear Forge metalsmith, jewelry and blade artist
My name is Jared Ashton and I’ve been a metalsmith for 7 years now. I started blacksmithing when I was 14 and quickly moved from iron work to forging knives. A couple years later I started making jewelry to propel my bladesmithing to the next level. I quickly learned that I have a proclivity towards working with precious metals and gemstones.
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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.
JIM TILLER, photographer
I tend to look for things others might miss. I am drawn to unique lines, shapes, and patterns. I began photography long ago but find that my current creative process is stimulated by many artists in the gallery. I am constantly thinking of new ideas and challenges. I am never sure when that next picture idea will take shape.
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Contact Jim at jtiller@hotmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view his work.
JUDY TILLER, watercolor artist
I love the way watercolor can blend and do such unexpected things. I embrace the serendipity of the pigment on wet paper. For the most part I paint small. I do landscape and still life with a unique twist such as my 3D watercolor feathers. All my art, including bookmarks, cards and miniatures, are original.
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Contact Judi at juditiller@gmail.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.
KAREN CADE, artist in various media
Karen interest in art was kindled when she was twelve years old when a teacher encouraged her to explore art. With this encouragement, she began to sell portraits to her classmates. She continued to develop her art talent as an art student in college.
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Award winning artist Karen Cade lives in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Karen is an accomplish wildlife and western painter working in oil, pastel, ink and mix media. Karen enjoys bringing the beauty of nature by creating a reflection of how she sees nature.
She has been accepted in many local and national art shows. She is a self-published artist with over 30 limited edition prints. Her artworks are included in many corporate, public, and private art collections.
Contact Karen at info@karenmcade.com, view her website at kmcade.com, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.
In Memory of:
KIM HORKEY, photographer
Kim was an accomplished photographer with over 40 years of experience creating award winning images. After earning his degree in Photography from Willmar Technical Institute, Kim remained in Minnesota, where for 25 years he owned and operated Natural Light Gallery Studio of Windom.
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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.
MARK BUTCHER, stained glass artist
After more than 40 years of serving as a pastor, Mark and his wife, Paula, have made their home base in a small cabin just outside of Rapid City.
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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.
MARY JO MARCY, pottery and jewelry artist
I have been an artist and art teacher all of my life. Although I grew up in the Windom /Jackson area of Minnesota, my home has been here in the Black Hills of South Dakota for over thirty years. I love the variety of the ever-changing landscape and the abundant inspiration from nature here, which inspire my art.
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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.
Morgan Rach – Acrylic, Watercolor and Pen
Morgan grew up in Osakis Minnesota, a small town of 1,700 people. There, she realized her love of science and academics. Little did she know that drawing birds from her science textbooks in 6th grade would be the catalyst for her passion for art.
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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!
NANCY ANNE BARKER, Magpie Creations, jewelry artist
I have been creating one of a kind jewelry for over 30 years. I use nature as my muse and take inspiration from my surroundings. I enjoy finding unusual beads, charms, pendants, and then draw upon my creative and whimsical self to create my jewelry.
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I strive to make eclectic necklaces and earrings that are not simply pretty but make the woman wearing my creations feel great.
I enjoy being part of an artist-artisan cooperative representing our local and regional artists and artisans.
Contact Nancy at nabarker@gwtc.net, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.
PAUL HORSTED, photographer
Paul Horsted is a local photographer and historian who locates the sites of historic photos and then creates a matching modern image of the same view today. He discovers through his photos what has changed or stayed the same over time to learn about history and the environment.
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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.
SAM UTTECHT HELTIBRIDLE, mixed media artist
I grew up in Whitewood, South Dakota, playing in the parks, climbing trees, and developing a great love of nature. That fascination with nature led me into a career as a professional artist. I pursued this career by studying at Metropolitan State College of Denver and Black Hills State University to receive my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree.
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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.
TRISHA BLAIR, leather artist
My journey into art goes back to my youth. I matured in an unincorporated small town in the northern Black Hills and my teacher leaned toward art, so I was encouraged.
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Much later in life, my paintings filled my “treasure room” and relatives had more than enough, so I taught myself how to make pine needle baskets. Then I added tooled leather bases to my pin needle creations. I took a how-to embossed leather class, which led to tooling leather pictures and other leather items. I’ve been creating embossed leather pictures for about six years.
Embossing leather has been around for awhile and is make a comeback. I begin with a sketch or drawing (unlike some who trace their object from a picture or photo). This original drawing is transferred to a flat piece of leather. Then leather tools and a surgeon’s scalpel are used to emphasize design and textures. Once satisfied, the leather is turned over and worked by pushing on certain areas to encourage the leather to become three dimensional (3-D). If eyes are involved in the picture, they too are a part of the flat leather and are embossed to look realistic. All of my pictures are entirely on one piece of flat leather. Embossing and tooling are time and labor intensive. It takes about 100 hours or more to complete a project.
My time is equally spent between pine needle creations and leather, which keep me out of mischief!
Contact Trisha at tblair@goldenwest.net, and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.
TWYLA KAY ROBBINS, aka TKO, photographer and acrylic artist
I grew up in Custer, South Dakota and graduated with the class of 1997. I then attended Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota where I followed my dream of teaching, and studied art education and coaching. I returned to the Black Hills after graduation and taught art at Central High School for 10 years before moving with my husband to Hot Springs, South Dakota.
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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.
VAL ZIOLKOWSKI — acrylic artist
I began pursuing my long-term interest in art after two of my friends and neighbors gifted me with a set of acrylic paint, canvas and paint brushes about 12 years ago. They were both accomplished artists and encouraged me to give it a try. Although I have no formal art education, their guidance and support was enough to keep me intrigued for several years and, after retirement, painting became my favorite pastime.
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I paint mostly from my own photographs and enjoy painting landscapes, flowers and animals, but I also enjoy trying new things in the way of style, medium and subject matter. I don’t think I’ve really found my niche yet in the art world and maybe it’s that exploration and personal growth that I enjoy the most. I am most grateful that painting has opened my eyes to the sights and sounds of nature and lets me see the details in shapes and color that might otherwise have been missed. I believe anyone can excel in painting with enough desire and daily practice. Last but not least, I appreciate the help and support from my husband of 56 years, John, who makes all my frames, gets them ready for hanging and then hangs them! I couldn’t do this without him.