Nov. 16, 2023

A new art gallery debuts downtown this weekend — the latest improvement at Shriver Square.

Serendipity Studio will offer a range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, photography and more.

Owner Jason Pfitzer said the gallery aims to provide a platform for both emerging and established artists, fostering a sense of artistic community in Sioux Falls.

“The gallery will be an inspiring space for local, regional and national artists to showcase their creativity and for the community to immerse themselves in the world of visual art. We will welcome all experience levels of artists,” he said.

Serendipity Studio will including rotating exhibits featuring contemporary and traditional art forms, local and regional artists and eventually educational programs and workshops, Pfitzer said.

“Serendipity Studio is a place where creativity can be highlighted,” he said. “We believe it will serve as a cultural incubator in Sioux Falls, fostering appreciation for the arts and providing a unique platform for artists to share their vision with the world.”

Pfitzer has been a professional photographer since 2018, focusing on landscape and iconic locations.

“One moment I can be snapping a landscape image and then focusing on a grasshopper,” he said.

“I take images from Denver to Chicago, and they bring my viewer back to a memory for them. Whether it is of a barn that reminds them of their grandpa or a shot of Mount Rushmore that reminds them of a family vacation, my photos usually bring a smile to their face.”

The grand opening for Serendipity Studio will be at 10 a.m. Saturday on the second floor of Shriver Square, 11th Street and Phillips Avenue.

Pfitzer said he chose the downtown location because it’s a center of arts in the city as well as a center of commerce.

“I am hoping to expose artists to a variety of consumers, including businesses and collectors,” he said. “Shriver is a historic building, and I love the fact that I can bring an art element to that building. We intend to be a destination location for people to enjoy art and artists.”

Soon, there will be more business activity in the building too. Chase Bank, which has been renovating space on the north side of the first floor, plans to open Dec. 5.

By late November, the plan is to have the newly redesigned entrance done.

“We re-centered the Phillips Avenue door, so it’s centered on the building between Chase and Pho Thai,” said building owner Kevin Tupy, founder of Cresten Capital Holdings.

“We are also doing a refresh on the common area space with new lighting and paint. The whole common area is going to be a lot brighter due to bringing in more glass to the space. Chase is a very consumer-facing, friendly brand, so I’m really happy they’re there.”

Chef Dominique’s Catering & Banquet Facility has moved to a space on the southeast corner of the building.

“They’ve been in there a few months and absolutely love it,” Tupy said. “It’s close to the back entrance, so they can come and go on 11th Street, and that’s helped a great deal.”