Project Awareness: Carroll Institute

Sioux Falls, SD, USA

On a recent evening, our Community Champions writers had the pleasure of attending the Project Awareness art benefit for the Carroll Institute, presented by Sufu Creative.

The event was filled with an array of talented artists, including familiar names like Moma Sam and Adrian Day. Some other Vendors included MG Designs, Shall We Tea, Level 26 Woodworking, and Needful Things and Tasty Treats. Set against a backdrop of creativity, the event also offered some delicious food truck options for attendees to enjoy.

During the event, our feet on the ground reporter, Hope Hoffie, had the opportunity to speak with Kristi VanDeRostyne, the Prevention Services Program Manager with the Carroll Institute Adolescent team.

VanDeRostyne, who started as an intern 14 years ago, expressed her passion for the work they do at the institute and how it keeps her going on even the toughest days. She also mentioned the perk of working with the school based adolescent program is having more time off during the summer months to spend with her own children. As parents ourselves we can respect that as a positive perk!

The Carroll Institute is a treatment center for substance abuse, catering to adults. They also have residential housing called ARCH and a mental health focus group. VanDeRostyne emphasized the uniqueness of their adolescent program, which serves a wide range of schools, including rural ones, Sioux Falls Lutheran, and the local juvenile detention center. While they would like to work with more schools, budgetary constraints can sometimes limit their outreach efforts.

Another individual we had the opportunity to speak with was Heather from Sufu Creative.

Heather informed us about their Open Art Studio, which operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-7 PM, but also allows people to schedule sessions on other days. The studio provides a variety of art supplies, including paint, watercolor, rock painting, and clay, all free of charge. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, when there are no scheduled shows, they offer classes.

One recent class focused on urban landscape painting, where participants collected leaves and pine cones to incorporate into their artwork. The studio welcomes people of all ages and hosts events for non-profit organizations. The only requirement to participate is to be sober, and those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The studio operates on donated time and materials, emphasizing the importance of community.

A quick glance around the event revealed a strong sense of togetherness, as everyone pitched in to help set up tents and support one another. Sufu Creative has been operating for two years, with the art studio opening in May. They also strive to be fair to the artists, keeping their vending fees under $50, unlike many other vendor shows.

The Project Awareness art benefit for the Carroll Institute, presented by Sufu Creative, was not only a celebration of art but also an opportunity to support a worthy cause. Through their unique programs and dedication to the community, both the Carroll Institute and Sufu Creative continue to make a positive impact..