What started as an effort to increase vaccine confidence evolves into art project building community connections.For three months, thanks to a grant from the CDC, the Vermillion Cultural Association traveled the state creating barn quilts with South Dakota residents.
The Northern Plains Watercolor Society in Rapid City, South Dakota inspired Sharon Grey and Betty Smith to create the Missouri River Watercolor Society (MRWS) in Vermillion.
In November 2019 the MRWS was formed. The First Dakota Coyote Gallery in the Coyote Twin Theatre building on 12 East Main Street sponsors the MRWS by offering people of all ages and skill levels a place to create art every Monday from 2-4 p.m.
Organizer and coordinator for the MRWS, Michelle Mechling, said participants typically pitch in $10-$15 per class to give back to the First Dakota Coyote Gallery, where they space out safely while painting due to the pandemic.