Art on the Prairie

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

  • Provide a gallery home for Cristen Joy Photography
  • Showcase regional artists through community gallery exhibitions
  • Offer bimonthly 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 to showcase art 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 (who wishes to remain anonymous) inquired as to the future of Grandview school. Cristen has had dreams of restoring the building as an office and gallery 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 II
63%
Siding & Door
82%
Roofing
0%

Grandview Gallery Restoration Gift

$25.00$1,000.00

SKU: N/A Category:

Additional information

Gift Amount

$25, $50, $100, $150, $200, $300, $500, $1,000

Grandview Gallery has been established as an LLC and all gifts to help with the restoration are considered as such. All gifts are being matched by an anonymous contributor up to $25,000.

All gifts will go directly into the renovation project of Grandview Gallery. If you chose 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 through PayPal.

If you would prefer to directly give to my account at our local bank, I have an account set up for Grandview Gallery. Please call First Fidelity Bank in Murdo, SD (605.669.2492).

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

Renovation Photos

Keep tabs on the progress as Grandview Gallery goes through the Renovation Process!  Last updated 12.16.22

Events

2023 Schedule

May 5 | Joy Fest: Mesa Jean – Acoustic Guitar & Violin + Poetry – Various

  • 7-8 pm, CT
  • Beverages & appetizers provided
  • Free will gifts go towards Grandview Gallery Phase II

June 2 | Joy Fest: A Moment of Pause ~ Wild Flower & Prairie Grass pasture hike and bouquet creation

  • 6:30-8 pm CT
  • Local rangeland specialist, Lealand Schoon, will share about different grasses and wildflowers
  • Refreshments provided
  • Free will gifts go towards Grandview Gallery Phase II
  • Come with sturdy shoes for walking in the pasture.

July 15, 2023 | Annual Open House

  • 11 am – 4 pm, CT
  • Beverages & appetizers provided
  • Free will gifts go towards Grandview Gallery Phase II
  • Presenting all new photographs!

August 4 | Joy Fest: The Best Camera is the One You Have ~ Phone Photography Workshop

  • 7-8 pm, CT
  • Beverages & appetizers provided
  • Free will gifts go towards Grandview Gallery Phase II
  • Bring your phone with a fully charge battery + close-toed shoes for a short hike

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

Tour the Gallery

2022 Open House video

Joy Fest

May 2023

26316 SD Hwy 248 | Okaton, SD

8 miles west of Murdo on Hwy 248 (Old 16) | Gallery sits on north side of the highway

No public restroom. An old fashion outhouse, in keeping with the history of the schoolhouse, is in the works!