Aug. 22, 2025

In what he says began as “almost a joke,” Kelly Reum started listing sports-card-sized artworks of his on eBay.

“Long story short, I sold around 95 of them,” he said. “It just kind of took off from there.”

Reum said he’s been artistic all his life, “but I didn’t realize people would actually buy my stuff,” he said. “I found out by accident.”

It led to founding Dakota Empyrean as a collaboration wife his wife, Donella Reum. Her contributions – crochet stuffed animals – include everything from dragons and dinosaurs to cows and turtles.

Together, the pair decided to start bringing their work to craft shows in 2023.

In terms of style, Kelly Reum said he is much more inclined to create abstract art. From time spent outdoors to time spent interacting with other artists, inspiration for his art comes from all over.

Throughout much of his work, however, Reum likes to start his paintings with what he calls “the pouring method.” This involves pouring the paint onto a canvas and limiting the use of paintbrushes to create a marble-like or flowing effect. Although such a design can stand on its own, he said it often feels “unfinished” to him.

“It makes really awesome backgrounds,” Reum said.

Without having taken any type of art class in the past, Reum concedes that he has broken his fair share of “artist’s rules.”

“I think that might be to my benefit,” he said. “It makes it more interesting – even a little bit more mysterious. Sometimes a painting seems to go where it wants to.”

Reum will be attending the 605 Made Night Market this Saturday, held from 3 to 9 p.m. in the Raven parking lot on the southeast corner of Sixth Street and Phillips Avenue.

At any market he attends, Reum said he always tries to sneak out and talk to other artists. This will be one of his first shows in downtown Sioux Falls, and he said he plans to attend more in the future.

“A lot of artists in Sioux Falls are very willing to help and give advice,” Reum said. “They know what they’re trying to do, and it’s a good source of information.”

605 Made is co-organized by Sew Doggy Boutique, Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage and SiouxFalls.Business. It’s sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, Active Generations and Dakota Business Finance.

Follow the 605 Made Night Market on Facebook here.

“Just paint the painting that you want,” Reum said. That’s where the art is. They’re going to see you – the artist – in there somehow.”

Here’s your guide to shopping, food, entertainment at Saturday’s 605 Made Night Market