Outstanding Support by an Individual - Jim Clark

Jim Clark has a lifelong love of the arts which he considers to be an essential component of a healthy community. He is the South Dakota Principal Manager for Xcel Energy, and became interested in SculptureWalk with a little encouragement from city officials. Jim conceived of SculptureWalk after observing many public art projects failed for lack of leadership ability to develop community collaboration and resolution to outlast the naysayers.

SculptureWalk began in 2004 as a year-round program in downtown Sioux Falls. Jim, along with a number of dedicated volunteers, made it the goal to create a SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls that will be the best in the country. As founder of SculptureWalk, Jim is involved in every aspect of the project. He confesses to spending an average of 20 hours a week year-round, or over 1000 hours annually, on SculptureWalk, and is committed to continuing this involvement for many years to come.

SculptureWalk is renewed each year with completely new work, and has captured the imagination of the Sioux Falls community and the region. The community has now taken personal ownership of his dream of making the downtown area of Sioux Falls into an outdoor fine art exhibit of outstanding sculpture. Evan Nolte, Chamber of Commerce president, says “The whole community and the visitors attracted by SculptureWalk have a new understanding of the arts. The work Jim has done is key to the Sioux Falls’ downtown renaissance.”

Downtown business owners agree. Ask any of them, and you will get a rousing response about the change in the culture of downtown Sioux Falls. Paul Van Bockern, owner of Minerva’s restaurant, another Sioux Falls cultural institution, says “It is a pleasure to see people with maps in their hands, strolling down the street to identify the work of the artists, or relaxing and enjoying the Downtown Street Musicians, another of Jim Clark’s projects. It has been great for business and adds to all of the other good things going on, like the Pavilion and more.”

There is no better way to advocate for art than to other the opportunity to experience it. Jim Clark has advocated with passion and enthusiasm by providing wonderful arts experiences for the public.