Watertown’s Creative Catalyst: Ann Taecker Reimagines Local Culture at Rotary Meeting
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a town known for its industrious spirit, Ann Taecker is working to ensure that “creative” remains a core part of the local vocabulary. Speaking to the Watertown Rotary Club on Thursday, Taecker—a visual artist, grant specialist, and community development advocate—shared her vision for a Watertown where art isn’t just a luxury for the few, but a vital part of the daily lives of all citizens.
The presentation, recorded by Northeast Radio SD and reported by Rotary member Steve Jurrens, traced Taecker’s journey from a 15-year career as a fiber artist to her current role revitalizing Northern Prairie Arts (NPA).
From Studio to Community
Taecker’s path was altered by a car accident, which shifted her focus from physical creation to the “art of the ask,” leading her to become a wildly successful grant specialist. After 12 years at SDSU, she returned her focus to Watertown, where she discovered a void left by the dissolution of the original city arts council in the late 1990s.
“An arts council is for anybody who lives, breathes, or walks through a community,” Taecker emphasized. “It’s about bringing cultural events where we live—not having to drive to Sioux Falls or Brookings for a cultural event.”
The “Arts Night at the Pub” Success
The cornerstone of NPA’s current success is Arts Night at the Pub, held the second Thursday of every month at Dempsey’s. The event has featured over 350 creative individuals ranging from world-renowned “Termesphere” creator Dick Termes to scrap-metal sculptor John Lopez.
Taecker noted that the event even survived “the plague” (the COVID-19 pandemic) by pivoting to a virtual format, which actually allowed them to feature large-scale works—like life-sized buffalo sculptures—that wouldn’t fit through the pub doors.
More Than Just “Exposure”
A major point of pride for Taecker and NPA is their commitment to treating artists as professionals. Whether teaching classes in cake decorating, lure tying, or wood carving, NPA ensures its instructors are fairly compensated.
“Too often artists are expected to donate their skills in the name of ‘exposure,’” Taecker told the club. “Well, Watertown Municipal Utilities doesn’t let me help ‘expose’ them in return for the electric they provide.”
A Call for Community Hands
While Northern Prairie Arts is thriving, Taecker was candid about the need for help. As an all-volunteer organization, the group is looking for new board members, social media-savvy youth, and hands-on help with event setup.
“If you believe we need art and culture where we live,” Taecker concluded, “please get involved.”
