Washington Pavilion Announces Jason Folkerts as New Visual Arts Center Director

The Washington Pavilion announces the addition of Jason Folkerts as the new Director of the Visual Arts Center (VAC) at the Washington Pavilion beginning August 2.

As a native of Sioux Falls, Folkerts has a strong background in inspiring and sharing art with the community. As a full-time artist and owner/operator of a business that specializes in murals, cartooning and live art, his creativity and leadership have helped create a strong reputation in the Sioux Falls art community. Folkerts' experience in inspiring others includes teaching cartoon and comic art to students and parents as well as serving as a youth pastor for over 20 years.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the Pavilion," said Darrin Smith, President & CEO. "He will be a tremendous addition, bringing lots of energy and innovation to our organization. Jason is creative, motivating and has a proven track record of raising funds as well as leading staff and working with boards and active committees."

"I'm excited to approach this new journey with some key actions," said Folkerts. "I'm looking forward to increasing community engagement and seeing more people visit. We want to be very innovative and take some risks - the idea is to get people to say 'wow, we have to go experience that!' Additionally, we will step up our education involvement with a learning environment that community educational leaders will want to bring their students to."

Folkerts received his B.A. in mass communication with an emphasis in commercial art from the University of Sioux Falls. He and his wife of 26 years, Tracy, have three children (ages 17, 16 and 15) who currently attend Lincoln High School.

The Washington Pavilion's Visual Arts Center brings exhibitions of leading regional, national and International Artists to its seven spacious galleries. Exhibits range from noted South Dakota artists to International Artists Andy Warhol and Rodin. The Visual Arts Center, accredited by the American Association of Museums, is dedicated to building, preserving and conserving its collections for both South Dakotans and worldwide audiences. Exhibitions are rotated every few months, and community lectures and artist receptions are held throughout the year.

The Washington Pavilion is the region's home for the arts, entertainment and science. Located in a beautifully renovated historic building in downtown Sioux Falls, it is one of only a few facilities in the world to bring together under one roof the performing arts, visual arts and interactive science. The vast array of high quality programming and educational activities available through the Husby Performing Arts Center, Kirby Science Discovery Center, Visual Arts Center and the Community Learning Center ensures that people of all ages and walks of life can rely upon the Washington Pavilion to inspire, educate, entertain and enrich. There is, indeed, something for everyone here. For information about our programs, please call (605) 367-7397 or, (toll free) at 1-877-Wash Pav or visit our website at www.washingtonpavilion.org.