The Suzie Cappa Art Center (SCAC) was founded in 2001 in memory of artist Suzie Cappa. Suzie was a talented and creative artist who selected her own brushes, colors, and subjects of interest. Suzie’s mother, Juanita, recognized her talent and provided her instruction with local artist, Ida Jansen. Under Ida’s direction, Suzie studied a variety of art forms from 1985 until her passing in 1997. The Suzie Cappa Art Center honors her memory by providing a supportive, inspiring environment where artists can create, exhibit, and sell their work to the community.
We have been located at 722 Saint Joseph Street in downtown Rapid City since 2013, thanks to the Pia Wilkins family and community donations. Our studio and gallery provide a platform for our artists to showcase their work and to give them a spacious, comfortable workspace to create, learn, dream, and do.
We now have over 30 artists working in the downtown studio and selling their artwork in the gallery. Artists work in multiple mediums, from fabric art to painting and drawing to sculpture and other mixed media expressions. SCAC provides all the materials each artist needs to pursue their area of interest. This is supplemented by donations by community members. We also provide a variety of ongoing sessions facilitated by professional artists, volunteers, and Black Hills Works staff, who support the professional and personal development of the artists.
The gallery is filled with creativity and beauty thanks to the dedication of the artists working at SCAC and our Guest Community Artists. Integrating the work of artists with and without disabilities helps people see past preconceived notions of disability and honor the creative spirit of every person.
Meet the Artist of the Year: Paige!
Every year, one artist receives the honor of being named the artist of the year. They are selected by their peers, the public, and Black Hills Works staff. Paige has worked intently this last year to grow her skills and try new things – and her hard work has paid off! Paige Severson has been named the 2025 Suzie Cappa Art Center Artist of the Year!
Visit Us
Suzie Cappa Art Center & Gallery
722 Saint Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-791-3578
9 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday
SUZIE CAPPA ART CENTER BELIEVES:
- Disability is not a boundary. All people can be creative in a supportive environment.
- Creative expression fosters personal growth and self-esteem. Recognition of creative efforts by others gives the artist a feeling of worth that carries over into all areas of their life.
- Creating art professionally adds value to one’s life. Through the cultivation of their talents, people with disabilities make contributions to the cultural and economic life of our community.
