DSU professor’s photo featured on billboard
March 1, 2024
Dakota State University Art Professor Tom Jones has his artwork displayed on a billboard on Highway 34, west of Madison.
“It’s really amazing to see my photograph printed so large,” he said. “It becomes an environment of its own, like you could just walk into the scene.”
A special project between Lamar Advertising and Arts South Dakota selected the Madison Area Arts Council to participate in Home is Where the Art is, an effort to showcase local art and art organizations on a dozen billboards across the state.
The billboards have been provided at no charge and will be displayed for four weeks or longer if the space is not taken over.
The Madison Area Arts Council publicly requested submissions for the donated billboard. They selected the picture “Madison Sunset” for inclusion.
“I had always wanted to take a photograph of this single tree just off the side of the road,” Jones shared. “I noticed the sunset out my window and knew that was the perfect time to get a great photograph.”
Jones took the photo at sunset on Highway 81 just north of Madison on December 19, 2023.
“It is always exciting to have your artwork selected for exhibit,” he said. “I always tell myself, if you don’t take advantage of opportunities, you will never know what will happen.”
Jones expressed thanks and appreciation to Arts South Dakota, Lamar Signs, and Madison Area Arts Council for this memorable project experience.
A reception for Jones and his artwork will be held at the BrickHouse on Friday, March 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. The BrickHouse is located at 106 SE 2nd Street in Madison.