Grandview Gallery - Cristen Joy Photography

Art on the Prairie

Events

2024 Schedule

July 20 | 5th Annual Open House | 11 am – 4 pm CT

Join us for the reveal of new photographs in the collection Refreshing Moments, during the 5th annual Open House at Grandview Gallery.

We welcome you to gaze upon the landscape that fuels inspiration, enjoy home-raised beef appetizers, and experience art on the prairie.

The dream of transforming this schoolhouse into a gallery/art space is becoming a reality as we complete Phase II this summer with a new roof!

~~August 2 |~~ ~~Joy Fest: Phone Photography Workshop | 7 – 8:15 pm CT~~ Due to the 100* forecast, this event is postpone

Back by popular demand!

Come enjoy a fun evening learning how to photograph and edit with your phone!
Practical tips, easy instructions and nothing complex.
Beverages & appetizers provided.

Get tickets here.

At this time, no public restroom. An old fashion outhouse, in keeping with the history of the schoolhouse, is in the works!

Grandview Gallery exists to bring meaningful quality art experiences to the rural community.

Showcase regional artists through community gallery exhibitions
Offer quarterly education opportunities for area youth and adults
- Gallery exhibitions featuring professional/emerging regional artists in a variety of art disciplines.
- Opportunities for the community to take classes and have hands-on instruction from professional artists in a variety of disciplines.
Host an annual summer and Christmas Open House by Cristen Joy Photography to showcase South Dakota photographs and welcome the public.

Grandview Gallery’s goal is to enrich the community by providing quality fine art experiences while honoring the legacy of a circa 1911 schoolhouse.

The Story of Grandview Gallery

Grandview Gallery originated as a township school house, Grandview Township School. Built within 1908 – 1911 on the homestead of William F. Kennedy, approximately 4.5 miles west of Okaton, SD. It was located on the north side of Highway 248 (formerly known as Hwy 16).

In 1925, Grandview Township school was one of 54 rural schools in Jones County. Class was held until about 1959 when it’s doors were closed with only two students. A few current Jones County residents that attended were Virgil Stickler and Raymond Stotts.

In the 1980’s, the school house was moved almost six miles east to the Ed Arp ranch. It was used for storage.

September 2011, Marty and Cristen Roghair purchased property from the Ed Arp estate, including Grandview Township School.

In 2020, Cristen J. Roghair and her family cleaned out the building and hosted an open house for Cristen Joy Photography. This open house was designed to share creativity and a historical and cultural experience with patrons, buyers, friends and family.

The 2020 open house was a huge success and prompted the continuation of the event in 2021 and 2022 during Murdo’s Ranch Rodeo weekend (third weekend of July).

After the 2020 open house, a friend inquired as to the future of Grandview school. Cristen desires to continue hosting arts events within the rural community as a gallery
and art education space. The friend agreed to gift 30% of the building costs and thus, Grandview Gallery is becoming a reality.

Since the first open house a few patrons, who share my vision of renovation, have generously donated to make the Grandview Gallery a reality!

Starting in spring 2023, Phase II of IV will begin!

The Future of Grandview Gallery

Completion of Phase I ended in fall 2022. That included moving the building to pour concrete foundation pillars, place the building onto the foundation, leveling and adding in new floor joists.

Preparing for Phase II

Now that Grandview Gallery is sitting on a foundation we need to continue the exterior work to ensure a lifetime building of art experiences!

Phase II includes: roofing, siding and windows.

Phase III : Interior drywall, flooring, insulation and electricity

Phase IV: Heating/Cooling, ADA accessibility

A local contractor is spearheading the project and as much as possible, we will use our local Jones County businesses for the materials.

Ways you can be involved

Current Funding for Phase III

Updated August 30,2024

Give

Grandview Gallery has been established as an LLC and all gifts to help with the renovation are considered as such.

100% of gifts go directly into the renovation project of Grandview Gallery. If you choose to use PayPal, a 3.49% processing fee will be deducted from your amount, by PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to give in this manner.

Thank you for your part in the incredible process of restoring this historical prairie gem!