REFLECTIONS was an art installation and partial exterior restoration of the abandoned Siston Theater. The idea was to restore the theater’s front facade and marquee sign to make the theater look operational. Part of the installation involved applying light sensitive vinyl to the entry doors and both side windows. Digital projectors were in the front lobby allowing imagery to be seen from the outside once the doors were closed. This “outside” experience was separated into four phases.
The first phase was completed by students from Sisseton High School. They were asked to complete the sentence: I am . . . using up to three words describing their experience growing up in the culturally diverse community of Sisseton.
The second phase was paintings, photography, and poetry created by local artists; to include the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribal members. Visual arts and poetry were paired alongside each other using a digital projector.
Third and fourth phases involved community members (who were randomly chosen) to complete the sentence: Sisseton is . . . using up to three words to describe their connection to family, community, and history. Each completed sentence, paintings and photography were also projected side-by-side.
REFLECTIONS was about opening dialogue through poetry, story-telling, paintings, and photography on topics related to cultural awareness, customs and celebrations, identity, history, and the natural landscapes of the Coteau des Prairie and the Lake Traverse Reservations.
Thank you to the Sisseton Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, students from Sisseton Public Schools, local businesses and nonprofit organizations, and the community as a whole. Lastly, special thanks to artist, Nicholas Blaske, for helping with all things digital.
