Downtown gallery brings back popular event for good cause

Free hot dogs, beer and artists will combine to help pets in need this first Friday in downtown Sioux Falls.

The Third Eye Gallery, found inside Vishnu Bunny Tattoo & Piercing, 202 S. Phillips Ave., will host a fundraiser for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society featuring local artists and a dog-themed night of activities.

Mike Fleming, a local artist who took over the gallery six years ago, said the concept for the gallery came from Jeff Mann, owner of Vishnu Bunny.

“He didn’t just want to have flash (art) on the wall. He wanted an alternate art scene,” Fleming said. “We basically try to be inclusive and help bring exposure to artists.”

The Third Eye Gallery celebrated 10 years in 2022. As the gallery’s website reads: “The philosophy is simple: Art for All. … The idea that everyone is an artist and everyone should be able to view, collect and experience art and music in an accessible and affordable way.”

The gallery is open to all mediums of art, all ages and artists at every level. Third Eye Gallery has displayed art from people age 16 to 70 years old.

Third Eye Gallery displays everything from paintings and pottery to skateboards and underwear with buttons. The art show features local and regional DJs and bands, plus a free first beer or pop. It has featured big names in both art and music, such as artist Amber Hansen, Tommy Stinson from The Replacements and the Low Rats band from Minneapolis.

Each year, the gallery has a featured artist who can display and switch out pieces throughout the year. Magdalyn Lee is the artist in residence this year. Lee creates work on the wall or the arm – she is a tattoo artist apprentice at Vishnu Bunny.

Third Eye Gallery took a break from First Fridays during June and July, but it’s back this month with face painting, animal sketches and an animal meet-and-greet from 5 to 7 p.m. The art show, beer and hot dogs will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. It has been a popular offering in the past, Fleming said.

“There are people showing up on First Fridays asking about the hot dogs and art … so I need to get back to rolling,” he said.

Literally, rolling.

Instead of Fleming’s original plan to grill out on Phillips Avenue, Mann surprised him with a gas station-style hot dog roller.

Other events are coming this fall, including three new artists in September and a Halloween-themed show for October.

To learn more about upcoming events, click here.