shaman gallery :: Shaman Gallery in the Press

Reluctant Overseer of A Vision
by Kim Hadd
Reprinted from Black Hills Arts Anchor, August 2005

What's the next step for a guy who considers himself a wannabe artist, an amateur financial adventurer with an inconsistent track record, owner of a serious collection of Native American artwork, a "wino" (not a wine collector), runs a small art gallery in Hot Springs, and has a beautiful wife with a "real Job?"

The obvious answer is to sell some of his earthly possessions including, his Harley, rental houses, and 1960 fjord green Porsche. That didn't quite take care of it, so he put everything else on the line to buy a 4000 square foot building in Hot Springs, South Dakota, refurbish it from the inside out, and open an impressive art gallery representing all your favorite art genres!

Meet Adam Heath, a proud resident of Hot Springs who is very active in the historic properties of his home town. He says, "Hot Springs has so much to offer. We have natural hot springs, many yet undeveloped; the Mammoth Site, a world class attraction; a new 18-hole golf course, local artist Gary Duchateau is constructing a bronze Mammoth at Maverick Junction, and a bronze foundry is moving to town and will work with artists all around the world casting public art pieces, just to name a few."

Adam continues, "In its hey day, Hot Springs was the smallest union center in the world. Both trains met here, one from Denver and one from Chicago. This was the Health Resort Town. There were bath houses everywhere and very lenient divorce laws at the time. The Braun Hotel still has the hot springs running underneath their hotel, and I believe it is under construction to reopen."

As you approach the gallery, you can't decide what to look at-- the waterfall across the street or the beautiful arched doorway of the newly remodeled building. The KEEP OUT sign in red doesn't stop us or others as we enjoy our tour. Step inside and immediately visible are the arched doorways, a rounded landing, a majestic staircase, openness, space, and art of every size. And that's just from the doorway!

The gallery itself is a work of art and Adam is a proud new papa. His eyes twinkle as he points out all the nooks and crannies of his new baby. Every step draws you further inside and you know you could stay for hours. We ooh and ahh and congratulate Adam on the amazing job he's done with this building. Adam reminds us, "So many people were involved in this project. I could not have put this together without family, friends, artists, and especially UBC here in Hot Springs ."

Adam starts to talk noticing our jaws on the ground as we gawk. "I had to do something to expand the space I was in because so many artists wanted to show their work in the current location that I had art as wallpaper. I believe in the future of Hot Springs and have strong ties to the historic sandstone buildings. When the opportunity to restore one of these amazing buildings came up, I couldn't pass it up. The plan came out of the vision I had to establish more of a separation in the gallery for different genres of artwork, use the existing structure, and then work with the surprises that developed during the process (like the architectural circle uncovered in the old buried ceiling)."

“Shaman Gallery is one of the 'Signature Galleries' of the group known as Artists of the Black HIlls. This organization is dedicated to raising the awareness of the incredible talent that resides in the Black Hills and making it an art destination much like Santa Fe. I strongly support that goal, for obvious reasons. Shaman Gallery is doing a show on the artists of Santa Fe in August to let people know they can get everything you can see in Santa Fe here plus great work of some of the approximately 40 "Signature Artists" of the Black Hills. Marketing to get the word out about these talented people is the key to developing that perspective of Western South Dakota.”

Adam and his wife, Linda, share an extensive art collection. The gallery often highlights works of these known artists to draw people into the gallery. In the case of the August show, you will be able to see original works by artists such as RC Gorman, Fritz Scholder, Earl Biss, Kevin Red Star and many others. There is also a nice collection of original illustration, most depicting the Old West; and you'll also enjoy contemporary art in its place on the walls.

The last year has been busy for Adam. His own time has been slim, but he plans to commit mornings to painting in his new studio located in the upper back of the gallery. The space has 20 foot high sandstone walls, windows only at the top letting in perfect light, and a very organic creative atmosphere.

Our compliments to Adam on the construction and remodeling of this space. It is truly an enormous undertaking and he has risen to the challenge. The Black Hills arts community is lucky to have people like Adam who are investing in our futures! Take the trip to Hot Springs. Shaman Gallery is now open for business (and browsing) from 10a.m. - 6p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday, 11a.m. to 4p.m. If you would like a personal tour from Adam, just give him a call at 745-6602.