WATERTOWN, S.D. – The Redlin Art Center in Watertown, South Dakota, is home to more than 150 original oil paintings by one of America’s most popular artists, Terry Redlin. This is one of South Dakota’s Great Places.
Terry Redlin first became interested in the outdoors while growing up in Watertown. Today, he is known as one of the country’s most widely collected painters of wildlife in America.
Initially, the structure was to be in the Minneapolis, Minn., area, but it was moved to Watertown because of Redlin’s love for South Dakota. Redlin saw it as a gift of sorts to the state of South Dakota and Watertown for helping him through art school through scholarships for disabled students.
The Redlin Art Center holds more than 150 of Terry Redlin’s original oil paintings. The building was designed by Terry’s son, Charles Redlin. Charles wanted a place to showcase his father’s work when he passed away. Terry eventually grew fond of the idea and the building was completed during his lifetime. Today, his paintings are displayed on three floors of galleries inside the building.
In addition to the gallery space, the Redlin Art Center also has an amphitheater, Langenfeld Ice Cream display, a gift shop and a room displaying Redlin’s early art. Children and adults will enjoy playing the “Kid Connection†game that encourages intricate examination of the Redlin Art Center.
On August 6, 2011, the Redlin Art Center is hosting a free outdoor concert featuring Three Dog Night for their 8th Annual Summer Celebration. Parking is provided at the park and guests are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the outdoor concert.
Because the Redlin Art Center was thought of as a gift to South Dakota and its visitors, admission to the gallery is free. It is open year-round Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Call or check their website for holiday hours.
For more information about the Redlin Art Center or the Summer Celebration visit www.redlinart.com or call 1-877-TREDLIN.
— From a S.D. Deparment of Tourism news release
