A New Season of Artwalk Brings 16 Fresh Sculptures to Watertown
- Steve Jurrens
- May 15
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A new season of public art is officially underway in Watertown as 16 unique sculptures have been installed across the community for the 2026–2027 Artwalk exhibit.
Now in its 12th year, Artwalk has grown into a highly valued local tradition, offering residents and visitors a free, year-round, outdoor cultural experience. The changing exhibit adds a vibrant and dynamic touch to the community, whether locals are taking a routine walk downtown, commuters are driving through, or hosts are showing visitors around the area.
Where to Find the Art
The 2026–2027 collection is strategically placed to encourage exploration both in the heart of the city and at key community landmarks:
· Downtown Watertown (13 Sculptures): The main cluster begins at Foundation Plaza and continues west along Kemp Avenue, with additional pieces located just south on Broadway.
· Community Satellites (3 Sculptures): To expand the walk’s reach, three pieces are located outside the downtown district. Visitors can find them at Lake Area Technical College, the Redlin Art Center, and along Willow Creek Drive near Meyer Insurance.
A Community Vision Realized
Artwalk originally launched in 2015 as an initiative born out of the H2O-20 community visioning effort, which identified downtown beautification as a top priority for Watertown. Over the last decade, it has evolved from a local enhancement project into a regional destination, drawing visitors from across the area who make it a staple of their annual trips to town.
The program is made possible through a unique partnership between the Watertown Area Community Foundation and SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls. While certain pieces are requested in advance, the final lineup remains a surprise until the installation process officially begins each year.
Behind the scenes, the program relies entirely on local dedication. A group of volunteers manages the heavy lifting—from removing the previous year’s artwork to installing the new pieces, placing signs, and organizing seasonal materials. Funding for the program is secured through the continued generosity of local sponsors and “Friends of Artwalk” donors.
How to Experience the Exhibit
Organizers encourage viewers to interact with the art using the Otocast audio tour. Each sculpture features a dedicated QR code; scanning it links users to a short audio segment where the artists themselves share the personal stories and inspirations behind their creations.
For those looking to take the full tour:
· Printed maps can be picked up at downtown businesses, local banks, and the Watertown Area Community Foundation.
· Digital maps are available online anytime at watertowncommunityfoundation.org.
Whether you have an afternoon to explore or are simply passing through, the 2026–2027 Artwalk collection invites everyone to step outside and experience the community’s latest open-air gallery.
