Simplified: Audacious Hearts, a new community-focused art group, will host its first show later this month as a way to raise money for South Dakota Voices for Peace and support neighbors in knowing and protecting their rights when confronted by federal immigration enforcement officers.
Why it matters
- The Stand Up Against ICE art show and auction will take place Saturday, March 28 at Club David in downtown Sioux Falls. It'll be the first-ever event from Audacious Hearts, which was started by local artist Alex Lunstra, owner of A.L. Art & Prints.
- The idea originated from Lunstra when she was scrolling Facebook Marketplace and saw a listing for dozens of mannequins – just the bottom half. She decided to purchase them and make a call for art based on a desire to speak out against the violence and death she was seeing from ICE agents in Minneapolis and elsewhere. More than 20 artists were given a mannequin to use as their canvas.
- The ultimate goal is to make the world a better place through art, Lunstra said. She hopes people can see that art can be a basis for difficult conversation, confronting uncomfortable topics and working through challenging emotions.
"People are expressing their opposition to blatant civil rights violations and inhumane treatment against brown and black community members in so many different ways: art, music, rallies, vigils, church sermons, knitting hats etc.," said Taneeza Islam, executive director of South Dakota Voices for Peace. "Having different sectors intersect in this moment is building the momentum we need for demanding what our Constitution already provides – equal rights under the law."
Tell me more about the event
The art show and auction will kick off at 4 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring aerial bartenders from S.D. Aerial & Arts. Attendees will get a chance to browse the various pieces.
A wide variety of artists participated in the mannequin art collection – including notable local artists like Steve Bormes and Cameron Stalheim.
- Lunstra said she's seen a very positive response from both established and emerging artists, as well as a hunger for this kind of work.
"Everybody is feeling all these things," Lunstra said. "There’s so many big emotions. There's so much messed-up stuff going on, and then life kinda demands everyone go about their normal day to day … and we don't want to just roll over on things."
The event continues with a brief program at 5 p.m. including remarks from both Lunstra and Islam. Local photographer Kelcey Schroder will be the emcee, and following the comments, there'll be a live auction to raise money and auction off artwork.
After the auction, there'll be multiple DJs and an afterparty at Club David going late into the night. (Or rather, early into the following morning).
How can I get involved?
The show is free to attend and 21+. Find more event details here.
You can also learn more here about South Dakota Voices for Peace and supporting their mission here.
"We are the only organization in the state advocating, providing legal services and rapid response resources to diverse immigrant communities," Islam said. "The overwhelming support we have received from South Dakotans proves that the sentiments of average community members on immigration enforcement is changing."
Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled Kelcey Schroder's name. Sorry, Kelcey!!
