Well, this sucks.
About two weeks ago the announcement was made about the closing of the Matthews Gallery. The Opera House will continue to host plays, concerts and other events, but the gallery will close permanently next month. The announcement and subsequent reports promise continuing support for local artists and art activities, although no details have been provided. I'd like to know how they intend to do that. Whatever the future holds for the arts in this area, it won't be the same. It just doesn't seem right that a town the size of Spearfish, with a university and vibrant arts community, won't have a gallery to showcase local and regional artists or a designated space for learning and other art-related activities for all ages. I just don't get it. Were grants vigorously persued? Fund raising efforts giving proper attention and priority? Enough government lobbying done at the local, county and state level? Too much focus placed on performance art and music concerts at the expense of visual arts? I don't know. I suppose it doesn't really matter what the reason. What matters is that the gallery is closing, and I can't help but wonder if it's truly understood how much of a loss it will be. I know it's blow to me personally. I'm going to miss that place. It holds a lot of good memories for me...including my first individual photography exhibit -
I've also had my work shown as part of the annual Community Art shows, the Summer Art Series, plus special themed exhibits such as Mind Matters and the current Ink & Imagination exhibit which will be the final show for the gallery. Here are a few of my photographs from past shows. Some won awards and others are just my favorites for one reason or another -
There will be other opportunities to show my work, but I'm going to miss this space. I'll also miss seeing the amazing work of so many talented local artists, many of whom I met there. And I'll miss seeing their work. I hope they find new outlets and other ways to be seen. They should be seen, and we should be able to see them.
There is a final closing reception on March 13th. I may change my mind, but as of right now, I do not plan on attending. They say it's a celebration. I doubt I will feel like celebrating. I'll more likely be home mourning a huge loss.
Roger O'Dea 02/24/2026
