Some talented South Dakota art students will have their artistic skills on display in our nation's capitol soon.

The 2024 Congressional Art Competition just wrapped up, and South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson was back in the state recently to help announce this year's winners.

According to Dakota News Now, first place this year was awarded to Eva Madsen from Aberdeen. The Roncalli High School senior’s drawing, titled “Freckle Face,” is a self-portrait surrounded by blooming roses.

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Her drawing will be on display in the Cannon Tunnel inside the US Capitol building for the next year.

Lilly Young, a high school senior from Mitchell High School picked up second place for her black-and-white photograph titled, “Frozen in Fog.”

Lilly receives the prestigious honor of having her photograph displayed in Congressman Johnson’s Washington, DC office for the next year.

As Dakota News Now reports, the student art pieces from around the country are considered to be a highlight throughout the halls of Congress, as each state receives the opportunity to show off the skills and talents of their young artists.

The U.S. House of Representatives and the South Dakota Arts Council partners help to sponsor the Congressional Art Competition each year.

The art initiative was first started back in 1982. It gives the members of Congress a chance to display and recognize all the talented art students from their home districts.

Source: Dakota News Now

Seven Mind-Blowing Wonders' of South Dakota

I think most of us have at least heard of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World." We might not be able to rattle them off as easily as McDonald's value menu items, but chances are you've heard of at least some of them, right?

There's the Great Wall of ChinaChichén Itzá, a Mayan City on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The ancient city of Petra, in Jordan. Machu Picchu in Peru. Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro. The Colosseum in Rome, and finally, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Every state in the nation is known for having a series of natural wonders and signature landmarks. So, I thought I would come up with my own list of the "Seven Wonders of South Dakota."

The following is what I consider to be the signature landmarks, monuments, and natural wonders that are synonymous with the great state of South Dakota. I tried to give both sides of the state a little love while comprising this list.

You might have a few additions...
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Let's get started. The Seven Wonders of South Dakota:

5 Things You Probably Don't Know About The 'Potato Man' of Sioux Falls

I drive around Sioux Falls daily and there are many cool things I drive by and really don't think about much. Recently, I decided to slow down and take notice of some of the city's more interesting aspects.

For example, what do you know about the 'Potato Man' of Sioux Falls? If you are like me, not much I bet. 

Here are 5-things about the 'Potato Man' sculpture that you might find interesting:

Gallery Credit: Ben Davis

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