80 new sculptures arrive in downtown, beyond

The downtown streetscape has changed in a big way with the installation of 80 new sculptures.

SculptureWalk 2025 marks the 22nd year for the event, which has featured 1,258 sculptures in that time.

“I think ScultpureWalk is truly one of those organizations that has put Sioux Falls on the map as a destination for arts and culture,” Maren Engel, the city’s arts coordinator, said in a recent presentation to the City Council.

“We have such a blooming public art community in big part because of SculptureWalk.”

A selection committee evaluates proposals annually. This year’s show includes traditional work through contemporary pieces, said Jana Anderson, the lead curator at the Washington Pavilion’s Visual Arts Center who also serves as lead curator for SculptureWalk.

“If you’ve been a fan of SculptureWalk for a while … you might recognize some familiar names or some pieces that look kind of familiar to you,” she said.

There are local artists represented, as well as artists from as far as California and Canada.

Between 50 and 60 artists are represented this year, with some having multiple pieces.

“What we hear from artists all the time is our program is one of their favorites, and we really do pride ourselves on that,” Anderson said.

Begin your route at the SculptureWalk Visitor Center on the second floor of the Washington Pavilion at 301 S. Main Ave.

Sculptures are mostly placed along Phillips Avenue but extend over to the East Bank along Eighth Street and under the Arc of Dreams. Head back down Phillips before ending in front of the Washington Pavilion to make a complete loop.

There’s also a piece inside the new Canopy by Hilton at The Steel District.

“There are likely going to be a couple more locations as they finish their landscaping, so we’re pushing the walk up on (North) Phillips as well,” Anderson said.

Seven sculptures also are on display in the Cathedral Historic District along Duluth Avenue between Sixth and 10th streets.

The neighborhood came together in 2022 to sponsor and host sculptures. That effort has grown from four to seven pieces.

“That’s a fun little kind of mini walk,” Anderson said.