Rapid City, SD — The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is thrilled to announce that Russell Jensen received Best of Show for his piece Seeking Shelter in the Home in Focus Community Photography Exhibition. This year’s photography show and competition centered around South Dakota as home. Photographers of all skill levels were encouraged to submit for this exhibition that celebrates the beauty, stories, and spirit of this region and their sense of home, not just as a place or physical location, but as a feeling. 

The jurors for this year’s community photography competition were Allen Morris, Assistant Photography Professor at Black Hills State University, Tass Thacker, co-founder of Images from the World, and Eunice Straight Head, regional photographer. Together, these jurors selected 56 images out of over 200 entries to be on display at the Dahl until May 9, 2026!

The show is divided into 3 categories: Adult Professional, Adult Amateur and Youth. Each of these categories has a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place award winner. The jurors also selected a Best of Show Award. 

Jeannie Larson, Gallery Director and Curator said, “This exhibition continues a 21-year tradition of bringing photographers from across the Black Hills community together. It’s a show I look forward to each year because it reminds us of the talented and thoughtful photographers we have in our region.” 

This year’s winners are: 

Best of Show: Russell Jensen, Seeking Selter

Professional Category: 

(Left) Strike of the Sacred, (Right) Dean-o and the Rainbow, (Bottom) Building a Home with You.

  • 1st Place: Ellen Larson, Strike of the Sacred
  • 2nd Place: Karen Mahoney, Building a Home with You
  • 3rd Place: Evan Ludes, Dean-o and the Rainbow

Amateur/Hobbyist Category:

(Top) Same Scene, New View, (Middle) One in the Box, (Bottom) Jupiter Rising

  • 1st Place: Todd Schweiger, Same Scene, New View
  • 2nd Place: Riley Singer, One in the box
  • 3rd Place: Christopher Huot,  Jupiter Rising

Youth Category: 

(Top) Hidden Haven, (Middle) Right of Passage, (Bottom) Reflect.

  • 1st Place: Haley Lester, Hidden Haven
  • 2nd Place: Anna Haeder, Right of Passage
  • 3rd Place: Anna Haeder, Reflect

The RCAC encourages visitors to vote for their favorite for the Rapid City People’s Choice Award. Voting will end on May 9th. The exhibition is free and open to the public.