Local artist honored at arts banquet

Local artist Roger Broer  was honored Feb. 12 in Pierre at the 27th biennial Governor’s Awards in the Arts banquet. Boer was the award recipient for Distinction in Creative Achievement.
According to the Arts of South Dakota website, “The biennial awards presentation honors the achievements of South Dakota’s fine artists and arts leaders.  Award winners are selected from nominations submitted in five categories reflecting the work of professional artists and arts educators and the support of individuals, businesses, and organizations that encompass South Dakota’s arts community.”
“I don’t do pretty. I don’t usually make pretty things. I do work that people have to interact with,” said Broer. “I work every day. I go to my studio every day. I live my art. When you work alone like this, you’re kind of always wondering, ‘Are people going to understand? Are people going to accept what I’m doing?’”
The award was made and presented by friend and fellow artist Dale Lamphere, who serves as the South Dakota Artist Laureate, a position he’s been in since 2015.
“Dale made my piece. He’s a very good friend of mine. It was very touching when he presented it to me,” Broer said.
Having received over 50 awards in his career, Broer was asked if there was one that really stood out.
“I’ve won hundreds of categories and things and competitions. They’re nice, but that’s all about marketing. This isn’t about marketing; this means they are recognizing me for my work and my dedication to my work, and that’s important,” said Broer.
“This is one of the top awards,” Broer said. “I guess the biggest award was when my wife said she would marry me. That was a big one.”
Broer is also a member of the Dream Catcher’s Guild that was awarded for Outstanding Support of the Arts to Native Nations with lands in South Dakota, at the banquet as well.
“A group of us started back in the early ’80s. The reason we started that group was back in those days there really wasn’t much for any market for Native American art,” said Broer. “Our intent was to provide a venue for Native artists to market their work. That was the main goal, and to encourage young people coming along.”
Broer is a large proponent of teaching and encouraging the next generation of young artists.
“I spend a huge majority of my time, to this day, helping young people get going. Giving them encouragement and even helping them with marketing trends occasionally,” Broer said.
Broer also is involved in the Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute (OHSAI) at The University of South Dakota. According to the website, “OHSAI is open to high school students with a demonstrated interest in the visual arts and American Indian Culture. The courses are taught by impressive professional artists,” including Broer.
“It’s important that these stories continue to be told, and they’re being told by people who know the stories, who live the stories, who live this culture. And it’s important that they have a venue to continue,” said Broer. “And that the stories be kept alive.”
His advice to aspiring artists, “You have to be dedicated to your art. It’s not a hobby. It’s not something that you can just do when you feel like doing. If you’re going to be an artist, you have to give your life to it,” Broer said. “Keep striving to make your message known to whoever looks at it. Make art to satisfy yourself first.”