Spearfish is kicking off The Big Read with 6 events on Jan. 9!

December 31, 2015

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The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center and the City of Spearfish kick-off The Big Read celebration of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, with six events starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9. The Big Read in Spearfish, SD is presented in partnership with The Matthews, Grace Balloch Memorial Library, Black Hills State University, Spearfish Zonta Club, South Dakota Arts Council, and Spearfish Foundation of Public Education. Along with these events, The Matthews and the Balloch Library will be distributing free copies of The Maltese Falcon.

“We are so proud that Spearfish has again been selected as the only South Dakota Big Read community for 2015-16. The Maltese Falcon is the classic private-eye novel introducing the iconic ‘hard-boiled’ detective Sam Spade to readers of all ages. This thriller about a hunt for a stolen treasure. It includes a love story, a mystery, and a moral message about value. All which offers many great programming options!” Sian Young, executive director of The Matthews. “The Spearfish partnering organizations created three months of fun events and insightful book discussions. These events are open to all. Participating in our kick-off events is a great way to get started with the book.”

The kick-off features in time-of-day order:

Speakeasy Photo Booth, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Grace Balloch Memorial Library
625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish
Patrons can select from an assortment of period accessories and have their photo taken.

Treasured: A Community Collective on Value ART PROJECT, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in The Matthews Art Gallery, 612 N. Main St., Spearfish
The start of a two-month community art project begins with patrons being invited to write about physical items that are of value to them on pieces of multi-colored paper. These “valuable items” are then applied to a large paper mache Maltese Falcon statue. The grand unveiling of the completed work of art is March 4.

Movie Poster Coloring art project, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in The Matthews Art Gallery, 612 N. Main St., Spearfish
The art gallery has vintage black-and-white detective movie posters available all day to color. Fun for all ages.

Unveiling of Origami Falcon Art Piece, 11 a.m.- Noon. in The Matthews Art Gallery,
612 N. Main St., Spearfish
Justin Fossum, an 11-year-old local origami artist, will unveil his origami hanging art piece in the Art Gallery. Created with almost 600 origami falcons, this inspiring piece of art will be on display throughout our Big Read. Justin will also conduct an origami folding demonstration.

Mystery Detective Community Scavenger Hunt, Noon – 5 p.m., throughout downtown Spearfish
Join us for our Big Read kick-off event in downtown Spearfish! There is a mystery in Spearfish – one that only you, as the hard-boiled detective, can solve. Pick up your crime sheets in The Matthews art gallery and explore downtown businesses for the clues to solve the mystery. Return your solution to the mystery to be included in a drawing for free tickets to The Matthews Community Theatre production of “The Maltese Falcon Radio Show.” The first 50 families to solve the crime will receive a free copy of the children’s book, “The Malted Falcon: A Chet Gecko Mystery” by Bruce Hale. Vote for the business that had the best 1920’s costumes and display at their store. Enjoy the themed movie posters custom created by BHSU graphic design students for this event.

BR-Scavhunt-poster-webDowntown businesses involved are:

  • Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St.
  • The Junk Drawer, 611 N. Main St.
  • Pink 629, 629 N. Main St.
  • Wild Rose, 616 N. Main St.
  • Kathleen’s Boutique, 622 N. Main St.
  • Good Earth Natural Foods, 638 N. Main St.
  • Hudson and Main, 544 N. Main St.
  • The Jacket Zone, 616 N. Main St.
  • Leone’s Creamery, 722 N. Main St.
  • Reruns for Small Ones, 648 N. Main St.
  • Sole Perfection, 635 N. Main St.
  • Common Grounds, 111 E. Hudson St.

Tomáš Kubínek – Miracle Man Live Entertainment, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in The Matthews Opera House
612 N. Main St., Spearfish
The one and only Dr. Professor Kubinek is a comic genius, virtuoso vaudevillian, certified lunatic, and all-round charmer, who gives audiences an utterly joyous and hilarious experience they’ll remember for a lifetime. This event is for all ages. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 youth (18 years and under)

TBR-Logo-PartnersA program of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Managed by Arts Midwest, this initiative offers grants to support innovative community reading programs designed around a single book. Spearfish is one of 75 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read from September 2015-June 2016. From January through March 2016 our community will celebrate The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett with a full calendar of events.
For more information on this event, please contact Jayne Rose, 605.642.7973 x12, [email protected]. You also can view a full calendar of events for The Big Read in Spearfish at https://www.matthewsopera.com/the-big-read-2016.

Our Sponsors

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Sanford Underground Research Facility
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  • Spearfish
  • ONEOK
  • Pioneer Bank
  • South Dakota Arts Council
  • BHSU Dept of Fine Arts
  • Redwater Kitchen
  • Mitchell's Barber Shop
  • Spearfish Insurance Brokerage
  • DeSmet and Biggs, LLP
  • Prairie Hills Transit
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