BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — The weather has been beautiful for most of eastern South Dakota this weekend, which has allowed people to enjoy outdoor events, including a long-running arts festival in Brookings.
There was a good crowd on hand for day two of the 54th annual Brookings Summer Arts Festival. Between the artists and the other supporting booths, there were almost 300 total booths in Pioneer Park this weekend. One of the artists displaying her work was Eileen Binkley.
“I do watercolor paintings and black and white ink illustrations. They are very based in my love of nature,” Binkley said.
Binkley is the media award winner thanks to a watercolor painting. The piece, or some version of it, will be on T-shirts and posters for next year’s festival.
“As a hometown girl from Brookings, South Dakota, it’s just like this amazing honor. I’ve been attending this festival since I was in diapers. I started vending here nine years ago, and to have my art be the face of the festival is kind of beyond my wildest dreams,” Binkley said.
The festival attracts people from all over the country, including Karen Van Muyden. She’s from South Carolina and brought her wire-wrapped jewelry.
“It’s just something I love, and it’s relaxing for me and fun. It’s my version of fun,” Van Muyden said.
There was also some activities for kids like one where you could mine for gems.
But above all, it’s a place for people to enjoy themselves and for artists to shine.
“I think art makes people happy, and art can be exciting, and it can be calming,” BSAF board member and publicity chair Shari Budahl Avery said
“Creativity is freedom. Self-expression is freedom, and it is my opportunity to put joy and hope into the world,” Binkley said.
And with joy and hope, comes beauty.
The Brookings Summer Arts Festival already has dates planned for next year. You can check it out on July 11 and 12, 2026.
