The 16th Annual South Dakota Health Care Association (SDHCA) Dakota MasterWorks Creative Art Show and Competition for artists age 60 and older was held Oct. 29-30, at the Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Falls.

With nearly 190 entries, professional judges awarded first, second and third places; honorable mentions; and “Best of Show” to art pieces in seven different media of two age groups. The attendees of the event chose People’s Choice entries, including a mention for Dell Rapids’ Karen Vietor. Entrants’ ages this year ranged from 60 to 96 years old.

Vietor’s entry, artwork entitled “Autumn in Spearfish Canyon,” in the “experienced” division garnered her a first place in the acrylic division.

SDHCA Dakota MasterWorks is hosted by Home Federal Bank and KELOLAND Television as a way to demonstrate the personal growth that is a part of aging by featuring the creative talents of older South Dakotans. “We wanted to showcase what older adults already know. The second half of life is full of creative growth and fulfillment,” said SDHCA Dakota MasterWorks coordinator LuAnn Severson.

Categories included watercolor painting, oil painting, acrylic painting, drawing/pastels, photography, sculpture and wood carving. Age categories for the competition were divided into ages 60-79 and 80 years and older.

First, second, third, “Best of Show” and People’s Choice will be on exhibit at the Ruddell Gallery at Black Hills State University, Spearfish from mid-November through early January and at the Ramkota Hotel in Pierre during SDHCA Legislative Reception on Jan. 22, 2013.