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Sculptor Dale Lamphere Community Tapestry
Lamphere sculpture features the work of 20 artists
An art installation in Monument Health Rapid City Hospital’s new lobby showcases the work of western South Dakota artists brought together with a new sculpture by South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Lamphere.
Community Tapestry features metal diamonds arranged in a soaring 16-footwide by 32-foot-tall space. Twenty of the diamonds are frames for the work of artists from the Black Hills and western South Dakota chosen from 103 submissions. Artists were invited to submit a detailed proposal, including a sketch, description of materials and colors and a written statement explaining “What Healing Means to Me.”
“Community Tapestry” soars over the Monument Health lobby.
Open to professional artists, amateurs, craft persons and hobbyists throughout western South Dakota, the installation features art forms including beading, painting, quilting, mixed media, woodworking and metal. In addition to their places on the Community Tapestry sculpture, the selected creations will be presented in a planned interactive kiosk at the hospital, with artists’ names, biographies and statements about the works.
“It is the weaving together of diversity that creates the fabric of community,” said sculptor Dale Lamphere. “That diversity makes Community Tapestry fascinating—the unique stories and perspectives of a wide variety of people, brought together and reflecting the specific cultural touchstone of each artist. I really appreciate the support of Monument Health in presenting these works for future generations to enjoy.”
The new sculpture installation is only part of the Monument Health commitment to public art, according to Elle Larsen, chair of the health system’s Art Committee.
“Monument Health formed an art committee with the goal of enhancing our healing environments,” she said. “Artwork can help create a connection with patients and provide a more comforting environment, while reducing stress and anxiety. This impact has been linked to positive healing outcomes.”
Larsen said that artwork that looks familiar—like home— helps create connections, so Monument Health has chosen art depicting western South Dakota to resonate with patients, visitors and caregivers.
“One of Monument Health’s core values is community, so when we were ready to start selecting artwork we reached out to artists in our communities to feature their work,” Larsen said. “Before the Community Tapestry project, most of the art we selected was photography, but when Dale presented the concept for Community Tapestry we were blown away. The idea of bringing together a diverse group of community artists who create art in various media, all with the theme of healing, offered an opportunity to create something so special that will be here for generations to come.”
To meet the artists and view individual artworks from CommunityTapestry,visit monument.health/community-tapestry/.
South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Lamphere speaks at the dedication of the new work. Photos this page courtesy of Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.
—Sculptor Dale Claude Lamphere
“Community Tapestry” artists gather together for the dedication of the Rapid City artwork.
