DE SMET — The 16th annual Plein Air ‘Paint Out’ in De Smet, attracted a large turn-out with 48 artists from four states, with Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and 21 South Dakota communities represented.

A highlight of the event was the emergence of Mary Boylan, a new participant from Madison, Minn., who swept the top honors.

Boylan’s stunning oil painting, Barnum and Dave, depicting a team of draft horses pulling covered wagons at the Ingalls Homestead, won both the People’s Choice and the Artist’s Choice Awards.

American Bank & Trust and De Smet Farm Mutual Insurance sponsored the prize money of $250 for each award.

The event kicked off on Thursday morning with Lake Osceola proving to be a popular new spot for the artists as several caravaned there to capture the beauty of this newly reconstructed scenic area. Friday morning brought a first time Quick Draw event on De Smet’s Main Street.

At the sound of an air horn, 17 artists began capturing scenes on or near Calumet Avenue, using their preferred mediums with a two-hour time limit.

Their works were displayed in Ward’s Store window over the weekend and later at the Event Center on Sunday. Visitors to the Art Show and Sale voted Christine May of Burke, as the winner of the Quick Draw competition for her piece titled Conservation Flowers, a beautiful portrayal of the Kingsbury County Conservation office flowers.

Saturday saw a strong turnout of young artists for a youth workshop led by Karen Kinder. To ensure a quality experience, the workshop was divided into two sessions, accommodating 22 enthusiastic participants.

Karen Kinder, a Brookings, SD artist, who grew up on the prairies of South Dakota, was honored with the prestigious Harvey Dunn Award. This esteemed recognition, given in memory of renowned area native prairie artist, Harvey Dunn, is presented annually to an artist who embodies the spirit and mission of the Harvey Dunn Society, is passionate about plein air painting and actively encourages others in their artistic endeavors.

The Youth Artist Award was presented to Eloise Hart from Akron, Iowa.

Inspired by her grandmother, Babette Rohde, Hart and her family have made the De Smet Plein Air a cherished family reunion tradition, attending for thirteen years.

This annual event is one of the most prestigious and long-running plein air events in South Dakota, with the Harvey Dunn Society sponsoring it each year.

The event was initiated in 2009 by Dr. Robert Bell and his wife, Phyllis.

The Bell family remains actively involved, with Janae Bell currently serving as President, and her husband, Steve, along with Bryce and Jane Bell, serving on the Board of Directors.