Redlin Art Center’s Summer Celebration draws Thousands By Gary Howey
2009
Rising majestically from the prairie, The Redlin Art Center can be seen long before the city itself.
Located where Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 212 intersect in Watertown, South Dakota it’s one of South Dakota’s premier tourist destinations.
The Art Center itself is a work of art as are Terry Redlin’s paintings that are so beautifully displayed inside.
At the Redlin Art Center you’ll have the opportunity to see over 150 of the award winning prints and paintings by Watertown native, Terry Redlin.
Terry is one of America’s most beloved artists, famous for his many wildlife paintings that have graced the front covers of numerous magazines.
Redlin is not only a wildlife artist, he’s an Americana artist as his paintings capture much of the American traditions that he remembers from his childhood while growing up in the Watertown area.
Although Terry retired from painting last year, his Art Center still draws millions of visitors from throughout the United States, Canada and numerous foreign countries.
Since I was born and raised in Watertown, each time I see a piece of Terry’s artwork; it brings me back to a much quieter more peaceful time. It brings me back home to the friends, family and places that I love so dearly.
When you stop in and visit the Redlin Art Center, you won’t want to rush through it, as there’s so much to see in the Art Center and in Terry’s paintings.
You’ll see great sunsets and sunrises and of course wildlife in Terry’s artwork, there are also scenes from many of our youth including; local bridges, elevators and barns and of course the Langenfeld’s Ice Cream sign.
Anyone who grew up in Watertown in the 50 & 60’s were fans of Langenfeld’s Ice Cream as it was the local favorite. It also happens to be Terry’s wife Helene’s maiden name.
There are a lot of the Good Old Days in Terry’s artwork!
If you happened to be driving up I-29 on August 8th and were to glance over towards the Redlin Art Center, you’d have a hard time believing your eyes, as the Art Center grounds was covered with thousands of people.
The Art Center attracts millions of visitors each year as they travel from all over the United States to get the opportunity to see Terry’s original artwork.
During this event there will be 15,000 to 17,000 people on the grounds all enjoying this event.
The celebration is an annual event is held each summer at the Redlin Art Center featuring nationally know entertainment.
Some of the top of the line entertainers that have performed at these events over the years include; Manheim Steamroller, Ronnie Milsap and Lee Greenwood.
This years the featured entertainer was Sawyer Brown.
As we strolled through the parking lots, there were vehicles from as far away as Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas and the Dakota’s as Terry’s artwork is treasured by millions with the free concert introducing future generation to one of the nations finest wildlife and Americana artists.
This year’s concert was once again a huge success with Sawyer Brown getting the thousands of concertgoers a dynamite show, belting out some great music while getting the entire crowd into the act.
It’s a great experience, one that you won’t want to miss next year, as I’m sure the celebration will be another to remember.
In the mean time, if you are ever in the Watertown area, the Redlin Art Center experience is one you’ll never forget.