(August 2026) Rapid City, SD: Pete Lien & Sons is helping secure the future of the arts in South Dakota and beyond through a donation to the Lamphere Studio for the Arts (LSA), a nonprofit organization created to preserve and expand access to the studio, tools, and materials of renowned South Dakota sculptor Dale Lamphere.
A Legacy of Art and Education
Spanning an accomplished career of over 50 years, Lamphere completed more than 60 major public works in locations including the Dakotas, Texas, Washington D.C., and California. During this time, he established a large studio and outdoor workspace in the eastern Black Hills which contains the space, equipment, and materials needed to create both small- and large-scale sculpture.
Throughout the years, Lamphere’s studio and workspace served as a location for visual and performing arts workshops, as well as hosting state, national, and international guests. “Over decades, we have established the viability of this concept by instructing numerous students, from elementary to college, fostering several assistants who are now successful artists,” Lamphere explained.
Opening the Doors for the Next Generation of Artists
The Lamphere Studio for the Arts was founded as a federally recognized 501c3 non-profit organization so that Lamphere’s studio, workspace, tools, and other valuable assets can be made available to current and future generations.
“I believe in always expanding the horizon to promote and celebrate the arts in all its forms,” Lamphere said. “Our objective is to pass the studio and its capacity to the next generation of creators. As the South Dakota Artist Laureate, I feel it is my obligation to do so.”
The initial donation to LSA includes Lamphere’s studio and outbuildings situated on five acres, along with the tools, materials and equipment contained within the facilities. This includes a significant amount of stainless steel and stone materials that are left over from past projects. The donation has an estimated value of more than $3 million. Future plans include adding land for a sculpture garden and walking trails.
Investing in Our Art Community
LSA intends to match the value of the initial donation with contributed funds to establish an endowment that will help sustain the organization and its mission into the future. The organization is supported by a Board of Directors that includes Dale Lamphere, and their focus is on establishing a strong foundation for LSA’s long-term management, sustainability, and growth.
Pete Lien & Sons’ contribution supports that vision and reflects our company’s commitment to investing in the communities and cultural resources that make South Dakota a great place to live and work. We are proud to support an effort that will preserve an important creative resource in the Black Hills while providing opportunities for artists and students to learn, create, and collaborate for years to come.
To learn more about the Lamphere Studio for the Arts and its vision for the future, visit https://www.lampherestudio.com/studio-for-the-arts.