Rehfeld's has new owners. Here's their new approach and grand opening details
Since 1983, historic Rehfeld's Modern Fine Art & Framing has displayed local and regional art and provided quality custom framing services.
But after more than 40 years, the space is under new ownership and is planning to shift its focus to showcasing more contemporary art from emerging and established artists.
Art director Alix Johnson said that the gallery will feature art that is “beyond two-dimensional,” meaning works like poetry and music.
“We want to push on expanding the community element of art and create an approachable space to learn and enjoy art,” Johnson explained.
To reflect this, the gallery has undergone some renovations, and is being renamed “Rehfelds Modern Art & Framing.” (Yes, that’s without the apostrophe S.) The Underground event space will remain relatively the same with a few logo changes.
The previous owner, local artist and musician Jerry Cook owned the gallery since November 2019 when he purchased it from Larry Rehfeld. Cook has also long been involved in multiple suicide and cancer-related charities in the community.
“Instead of mainly connecting with people through art, Jerry wanted to direct his energy to connecting via therapy,” Johnson said. “He wants to be able to provide the best for the gallery by naming the new owners.”
Lindsey McCann and Micah Jastram, Sioux Falls natives, purchased the gallery in late 2023 and are finishing up renovations to the space “to lean even more into the experience for artists and art enthusiasts,” according to a Monday press release they shared. Both McCann and Jastam currently live in Bozeman, Montana, where they also own Old Main Gallery & Framing.
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McCann and Jastram have long loved and been involved in the arts. After McCann received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of South Dakota (USD), she began custom framing and later, fell in love with how the arts operated from a business standpoint. Jastam is a music education grad and percussionist from Augustana University and is currently a member of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra.
Given their background and passion for art, the new owners feel this new venture with the gallery is a natural fit. Since they are both originally from Sioux Falls, they make frequent visits home to visit friends and family, including McCann’s sister Katelyn Regnier, who is the event coordinator at Rehfeld’s.
Johnson said, “Lindsey and Micah are constantly reaching out and making connections with other galleries as well. They’re in constant contact with me, assisting with making decisions and marketing for the gallery.”
The new owners are working with other various local organizations, such as shows at the Levitt at the Falls and the Sioux Falls Park and Recreation Association. They are also involved in Sioux Falls’ annual ArtAbility, an exhibit and artist reception hosted at The Underground by Refeld’s, featuring artwork by various local artists with disabilities.
“Often folks may be intimidated to enter an art gallery because they 'don't understand art.' We want to break down the walls between viewer and artist,” McCann said. “Art can and should be approachable. As a member of the art community, we are excited to continue to build relationships with local businesses and support other art galleries to further enrich the community. There is so much going on in our neighborhood and we are excited to be a part of it.”
McCann and Jastram plan to celebrate the gallery’s grand opening April 5.
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Rehfeld's Modern Fine Art & Framing is located downtown at Phillips and 5th in the Fall Center building. They are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Learn more online at rehfeldsonline.com or on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Information about The Underground can also be found on both Facebook and Instagram and at theundergroundsf.com.
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This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls gallery Rehfeld's has new owners with a new focus
