HORSE BARN ARTS CENTER

This barn was built some time in the last years of 1800, but it is not known by who or for what purpose. Perhaps it was to house horses that must have worked any of the eleven stone quarries that were in existence at that time. Perhaps it was part of a local creamery. No records exist to tell us.

But we do know that the City of Sioux Falls acquired the Barn in the 1930's and used it for storage of machinery and vehicles and salt to cover winter roads.

It was in 1998 that the Arts Council and the City Parks Department began a collaboration to restore the old barn, and turn it into a unique place to exhibit and practice art. Many volunteers rolled up their shirtsleeves and went to work. The floor in the main level was dirt, and the roof needed to be repaired. In addition, there was no heat in the building.

But by the spring of 1999, the Barn opened it's doors to the public, and it has served as a place for artists and art lovers ever since that time. The Loft Gallery houses a different exhibit of local and regional art each month of the year. The Portfolio Gallery on the main level offers space to local artists on a rotating basis for exhibition of their art. There is also a Gift Shop on the main level.

The Horse Barn is a cool place in the summer and a warm place in the winter -- open year round for visitors, whether they are artists or people who simply love to admire the work of others -- a truly unique exhibit space to enjoy all forms of art.