Community Picnics
Every year, when the residents are in town, we celebrate by having a large potluck community picnic. The Sandhills Institute provides hamburgers from meat that is often donated from local ranchers. We have had a number of picnics for various reasons, but most importantly after the artists have spent several weeks learning about Rushville and the Sandhills and we want the local community to learn about the artists. Each artist presents their work in short 10 minute presentations by way of an introduction. The picnic after the presentations gives the artists, ranchers and local residents a chance to further get to know each other.
Community Artists
The Sandhills Institute feels it is important to involve the local arts community. We are currently developing a local arts advisory board for the institute and when the Grocery Gallery opens, we plan on having numerous exhibitions by local artists. We feel it is important to reach out to the local Pine Ridge Reservation as well. This is something we are determined to work harder at as an institutional mission.
Artist Presentations
After the artists spend several weeks learning about Rushville and the Sandhills, we want the local community to learn about the artists. Every year, each artist presents their work in short 10 minute presentations by way of an introduction. The artist presentations take place at the Sandhills Institute Ranch Headquarters and is followed by a community picnic.
Fence Fixing
The historic Davis Pine Creek Ranch has miles of fencing that needs repair every year. Some of these fences are over 100 years old. Director, Mel Ziegler, feels that fence fixing in this high plains with views that go on forever on the hill tops is a Zen-like experience. He enjoys sharing this experience with visiting artists and interns. Fence fixing is a necessity and a tradition, and very much a part of ranching.
Group Dinners
Director Mel Ziegler grew up on a dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania with six brothers and one sister. The family always ate each meal together. He and his wife, Lisa, had sit down dinners with their children every evening for 18 years while they were still at home. They believe in the power of these social and group gatherings. At the ranch headquarters for the Sandhills Institute, preparing and eating dinners together has become a tradition and an important part of the communal dynamic of the residency.
The Budds’ River House
Sandhills Institute Board member Shelia Budd and her husband Kirk have been generous contributors to the institute over the years. They have often shared their beautiful ranch along the Niobrara River for picnics and swimming events to help artists and interns cool down on hot summer days. The Budds have generously donated their River House for artists to stay when the Davis Ranch has too many residents.