Eileen Walsh

Eileen Walsh has been the Executive Director of Dakota West Arts Council (DWAC) for over four years, and previously headed up Theo Art School. Her interest in the arts started when she was very young and started drawing. During her sophomore year of college, while she was majoring in Art, one of her professors suggested she take some journalism classes so she could ‘get a job’. She did use those journalism skills earlier in life, but realized it was time to get back to where her passion lies.

DWAC covers the capital city area, they do grant funding to area non profit arts organizations, such as Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, Flickertail Woodcarvers and Urban Harvest. “We are advocates for the arts,” said Walsh. “We also help to showcase the arts.”

DWAC is currently focusing their efforts in the area of public art. “We want to help grow the arts, and make people more aware,” said Walsh. “We want to add to the money the city gives us, so we are starting a foundation to help promote and maintain public art. The Capital City Arts Foundation will allow DWAC to do this, and, do it right – top of the line.”

She talked about the ideas she, and others, have for the promotion of arts in the area: “We are in need of a performing arts center, a space that several groups would benefit from. It would be nice to have an arts district, a way for people to experience art as they walk around downtown, for example. We want to start an arts institute where we bring in teachers and show them how to use art to teach science, math and history, since we are missing so much art in the schools. This is all in conjunction with the Bismarck city strategic plan where it talks about being the arts and cultural hub of North Dakota.”

This summer DWAC is bringing back music for kids every Tuesday in Custer Park. This is a free, interactive hour of music and song hosted by Kris Kitko. Local non-profit arts organizations will showcase their talents and kids are invited to sing and dance along. People are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, pack a lunch and be prepared to have fun and be entertained.

“And, in Peace Park, we are going to do an evening in June and July where we bring bands in, those newer groups that are just starting up,” said Walsh. “We are also bringing back Harmony Fest in August, with a total local lineup.”

A summer full of music and the arts, for all ages.

Custer Park Music Days for Kids – Tuesdays, June 17 – August 5, Noon – 1:00 pm at Custer Park

Music In The Park – June 25 & July 16 Peace Park, Front Avenue just west of Parks & Recreation and DWAC offices

Harmonyfest Date – time and location coming soon