ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University is proud to share that three members of the NSU community were selected to participate in the 23rd annual SculptureWalk Sioux Falls, one of the largest annual public sculpture exhibitions in the world.

Assistant professor of art and gallery director Tim Rickett and graduating senior Daria Poor, who is earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art with a 2D emphasis in 2026, were both selected for the exhibition. NSU alumnus Darwin Wolf, a 1983 Northern State University graduate, also has a piece on display.

Poor's sculpture, "The Farmer," is installed at the corner of Eighth Street and Railroad Avenue. The life-sized metal piece depicts her grandfather and was created during a sculpture class at Northern — her first welded sculpture. The work was also featured in her spring senior thesis exhibition, "Simple Living." Poor is the youngest artist exhibiting in this year's show, a significant achievement in a program where most participating artists are established professionals.

"Welding was intimidating at first, but I quickly realized what an incredible tool it was for art making," said Poor. "It is such an honor that I was chosen for the Sioux Falls SculptureWalk and I am so excited to present 'The Farmer' there."

Rickett's work, "How the West was Wonderful," is installed in front of Fresh Produce and Ipso Gallery at Sixth and Main streets. This marks his second consecutive year as a SculptureWalk participant. His 2025 piece, "Here in the Mysterious Elsewhere," was located in front of Zandbroz and was subsequently selected for a two-year loan to the University of South Dakota.

"SculptureWalk Sioux Falls is a great organization and a fantastic outdoor sculpture exhibition to be part of," said Rickett. "It is a fast-paced, jam-packed weekend from delivery to installation, but the community, the artists and everyone involved make you feel welcomed and appreciated. I am so happy for Daria getting into this year's exhibition and being one of the youngest to ever participate. She is a phenomenal artist and I am so proud of her accomplishment. I hope to see more of my students' work on display in this show in the future."

The 2026 exhibition features more than 80 pieces from nearly 60 artists representing nearly 20 states, displayed along a route that winds through downtown Sioux Falls along Phillips Avenue, the East Bank along Eighth Street and toward Falls Park before looping back through downtown. Both NSU sculptures will be on view through April 2027.

The annual People's Choice Award voting is now open. For more information about SculptureWalk Sioux Falls or to vote, visit sculpturewalksiouxfalls.com.