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ArtsRapidCity.org Hub For Area Art Events

Photo Jim Kent

Rapid City may be known as the Gateway to the Black Hills and hometown of The Rush hockey team. But it’s also gaining a reputation as a crossroads for arts, entertainment and cultural events.
 
 
Arts-Rapid-City.org was established as an online arts calendar to educate the public about what’s happening in Rapid, when it’s happening and where to find it.

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day weekend and I’m in Rapid City for a traditional Irish celebration. In other words, a little wine and Girl Scout cookies. No…you heard right.

Michelle Pawelski is the tasting room manager for the Firehouse Brewing Company’s Wine Cellars.

So, what’s taking place here today?

“It’s called ‘Shamrocks and Sugar,” explains Pawelski. “We’re doing a pairing with our wines and Girl Scout cookies.”

The unique Saint Patrick’s Day event was the brainstorm of a local Girl Scout troop’s annual cookie sales pitch and Michelle Pawelski’s sales savvy. Though one may not generally associate wine with this centuries-old Irish celebration, Pawelski says she hopes the concept creates some cultural inroads.

“Maybe next year Saint Patrick’s Day will be all wine,” comments Pawelski.  

Of course, key to the success of any event is getting the word out. And that, says Michelle Pawelski, is where the ArtsRapidCity.org online calendar comes in.

“We all kind of work together to bring different options to the community and get them involved in what’s going on,” Pawelski observes. “So…it’s kind of a…great idea…keeping people updated on what’s actually going on across the city.”

Credit Photo Jim Kent
Students from Rapid City area middle-schools take part in the "Festival of Bands" at the Rapid City Civic Center.

After a glass of orange Muscato with a lemon Girl Scout cookie, I head over to the Rapid City Civic Center for another event I found listed on ArtsRapidCity.org. The “Festival of Bands” is showcasing the talents of area middle school musicians. Gabrielle Seeley’s son is onstage…playing trombone. Seeley says the only way to get art makers connected with those looking for art is through one central location.

“I think that more and more…people in the community are seeing that ArtsRapidCity’s website as a hub and that it’s fulfilling a need in our community," observes Seeley.

ArtsRapidCity.org listed more than 60 arts events taking place in Rapid City in the week leading up to Saint Patrick’s Day. And that, says Gabrielle Seeley, is something to clap about. 

http://www.artsrapidcity.org/