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It is with heavy hearts that we offer our condolences to the friends and family of Charlotte Dougherty. We would like to take a moment to honor the lasting impact she made on the Matthews and the Black Hills arts community.

Charlotte was a current member of our Board of Directors and a dedicated supporter of the Matthews for more than a decade. Her involvement began in 2014 when she joined the Readers Theatre program, and from that moment forward, she became a remarkable force of creativity. A gifted writer, playwright, director, and actor, Charlotte brought countless stories to life both on and off the stage. She appeared in productions including Ladies of the Mop, Stepping Out, and many others, while also writing and directing numerous plays and short stories that were performed at the Matthews. Charlotte had a unique ability to find inspiration in everyday life and transform it into meaningful theater. Among her many accomplishments was a full-length mystery staged as the featured production for the tenth anniversary of Theater on the Run in 2021. Before her passing, she completed another original mystery for this year’s fifteenth anniversary production. We will be honored to present that work in September as a celebration of her life, creativity, and legacy.

Beyond her creative talents, Charlotte also brought a sense of balance to the Matthews team with her strategic thinking and business background. She always knew how to ask the deeper logical questions in a room full of inspired artists and performers. Supporting not only our imaginations of what could be, but also how to maintain the sustainability of the organization. She had a true gift for blending creativity with practicality, helping strengthen the organization while championing its artistic vision.

Charlotte’s influence will be remembered by staff, board members, actors, artists, volunteers, and audiences alike. Her creativity, wisdom, and generosity helped shape the Matthews in countless ways. As we look to the future, we will carry the same optimism, thoughtfulness, and passion for the arts that she shared so freely with our community.

For 20 years, visual art found a home at 612 Main Street. Emerging artists made their debut, and those whose names are known across the country were able to return to their roots. Workshops provided countless hours of learning experiences. Every Tuesday, the studio was filled with innovation and inspiration during open MakeSpace sessions. Even down in the basement, treasures waited to be used for life drawing events, mural painting, and theater set designs. This is a legacy I’ve had the opportunity to oversee as the Visual Arts Coordinator at The Matthews for the past three years, and now we step into a new pioneering adventure.

I have painted and plastered each wall of this space, arranged thousands of pieces of artwork, learned its history, coordinated and taught workshops, and sat in the quiet company of the humming Termespheres after receptions ended and the doors were locked. In those moments, I learned that it is not the purple accent walls or creaky floorboards that make this space magical. It is you, the artists, who are brave enough to share your work. And I say brave with complete confidence. It takes courage to bring something you have poured your energy and skill into and entrust it to a gallery to be presented to the community. And the experience continues in our community, to each of you who walk in our doors and walk through the gallery, it is the impact of your time and intention that says “art is important.” 

A gallery is often referred to as “The White Cube”, a space cleared of distractions so visitors can have an intentional, uninterrupted experience with the art. Our task now is to create that moment without the physical space. We aim to inspire intentional art appreciation in a flexible and mobile setting that is still accessible to the community and welcoming to artists of all ages and skill levels. Knowing the passion for the arts in our community, I am fully confident that we can accomplish this and grow it into something unique and amazing.

I will miss this gallery, as it holds so many memories for me. Not only as a staff member of the Matthews, but also as an artist and art appreciator. This decision was not made lightly, nor out of fear, but from forward thinking and adaptability. We have worked hard to keep our visual arts program sustainable and accessible, and that mission will continue to guide us. With the support of fellow staff, our board of directors, local artists, and community members, I feel ready to step into the wild unknown and begin building something new. There is, of course, a touch of nervousness. But that is the joy of art. To create something with the tools of your craft and an idea so centered in your mind that it must be brought into reality. That is what we aim to do: hold fast to our mission and honor the legacy of those who worked diligently to create a space for the arts, while bringing it all into a new era. While the gallery walls have held so many memories, we are excited to take that energy and creativity beyond the bricks and mortar. Our new programming will bring visual art to the community in fresh and flexible ways: open calls for exhibits in partnering spaces and the theater, a MakeSpace art library with open studio hours, Spearfish ArtWalk collaborations, hands-on workshops for artists of all ages, public art projects, and “Brush Hour” sip-and-paint sessions designed to spark creativity in a welcoming, relaxed environment.

I am honored to take on the responsibility of exploring new ways to connect artists with the community, inspire intentional art appreciation, and make art accessible to everyone. I am deeply grateful to each of you for your unwavering support and belief in what we do.

With Deepest Respect,

– Tia Erin

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To learn more about future visual art program visit: https://www.matthewsopera.com/visual-art/

The Matthews has been incredibly lucky to serve as a platform for many inspired creatives and patrons over the years. One such pivotal character was Bernice “Ann”  Froelich. Ann was a trailblazer for the Children’s Theater program here at the Matthews by taking the lead of the Peanut Butter Jelly Players from 2008 to 2019 before it was renamed to the Froelich Young Actors Guild. She recognized the untapped potential of the youth in Spearfish and the opportunity that the Matthews could create for them. To this day, she inspires the Matthews and the Spearfish community to create an inviting space for the future generations of not only actors but also compassionate community members. 

Her obituary, as published on January 16th, 2026 in the Black Hills Pioneer, is as follows:

Bernice “Ann” Froelich, born March 18, 1944, in Yankton, South Dakota, passed away on January 14, 2026, at Edgewood Vista in Spearfish, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Ann devoted her life to nurturing young minds. She taught at Spearfish Elementary School from 1976 to 1999, shaping generations of students with her patience, creativity, and unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Her classroom was a place of curiosity, kindness, and joy, values she carried into every chapter of her life. Retirement did little to slow her passion for working with children. Instead, Ann poured her heart into youth theater, first through the Spearfish Public Library and later at the Matthews Opera House. Her dedication helped countless young performers discover confidence, imagination, and community on the stage. In 2019, in recognition of her profound impact, the beloved Peanut Butter and Jelly Players Children’s Theater was renamed the Froelich Young Actors Guild, honoring both her work and the spirit she instilled in so many.

Ann is survived by her husband, Ken Froelich; her children, Scott (Sheryl) Eisenbraun and their daughter Maria; Lori Hafemann and her daughters Aspen and Ashley (Sidney); and by Lori’s former husband, Michael Hafemann, who remained close to the family. She is also survived by her stepchildren: Karl (Stacey) Froelich and their sons Mitch and Dylan; Kurt (Sharon) Froelich and their children Carla, Amanda, Jesse, Lindsey, and T.J.; Kristin Froelich and her daughters Shaunna and Shayla; and Keith (Bridget) Froelich and their children Riley and Sam and 8 great‑grandchildren, and 3 great‑great‑grandchildren. She is further survived by her brothers, Jim (Kim) Jorgensen and Steve (Ginny) Jorgensen, along with many nieces, nephews, great‑nieces, and great‑nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Helen Jorgensen.

Ann’s legacy lives on in the students she taught, the young actors she encouraged, and the community she enriched with her generosity and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Froelich Young Actors Guild at the Matthews Opera House, honoring Ann’s lifelong dedication to children and creativity.

We at The Matthews feel incredibly honored to have had Ann as a part of our history. She was an incredible woman, a leader, and a friend. With her passing, many contributions were made to the Matthews for the continuation of the Children’s Theater program, and we are honored to be trusted to uphold her legacy.

Cary Thrall stood at the front of a classroom at Canyon Hills Center earlier this month, watching 30 middle and high school students fold paper into impossible shapes. They were making hexaflexagons—origami toys with a hidden third side—and the room buzzed with the kind of focused energy that comes when hands and minds work together.

It’s the first of twelve creative workshops happening at Canyon Hills Center through June, and we’re thrilled to share that The Matthews has received a $4,000 Arts Midwest GIG Fund grant to make it possible. The grant supports a creative residency program designed specifically for students at Canyon Hills Center with Lutheran Social Services, bringing professional artists into the classroom for hands-on experiences in visual arts, poetry, and printmaking.

What does this look like?

Over the next several months, students will work with local and regional artists on projects that range from brown paper bag paintings and watercolor mandalas to monoprinting and recycled sketchbook making. They’ll write poetry with South Dakota’s poet laureate, practice observational drawing, and even design their own personal crests.

Cary Thrall with Cat Scratch Designs is coordinating the artist roster, connecting students with creative voices from across the region. Each session is designed to be more than just an art class—it’s a chance for young people to explore identity, build resilience, and discover what their hands can make when given the space and materials to try.

Why this matters for Spearfish

Arts Midwest president and CEO Torrie Allen put it well: “Research shows that art and creativity can strengthen community wellness. It helps people build connections, feel a sense of belonging, and access resilience.”

That’s exactly what we’re hoping to cultivate here. This partnership with Canyon Hills Center is about more than teaching techniques. It’s about creating moments where young people can see themselves as artists, where they can express what words sometimes can’t, and where creativity becomes a tool for growth.

The program wraps up in June with a community art showcase and guided Art Walk, where student work will be displayed in businesses across Spearfish. We’ll share more details as that approaches, and we hope you’ll come see what these students have created.

This project is supported in part by Arts Midwest, which receives support in part from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. We’re grateful for the partnership and excited to watch this unfold.

One of our partners sat across from us in the theater, sharing a problem we’d heard before: “I can’t fill the tickets. Our employees are busy, and I end up with a drawer full of unused passes.”

This partner manages community engagement for a large regional company that genuinely wants to support the arts. But the traditional sponsorship model—logos in playbills, ticket allocations that go unused, transactions that feel more like obligations than opportunities—wasn’t working for anyone.

That conversation led to something different.

The Problem with “Business as Usual”

For years, The Matthews offered corporate partners what most arts organizations offer: ad space, ticket allotments, logo placement. It kept us afloat, but it also felt hollow. We were selling visibility instead of building impact. Partners wrote checks, we put their names in programs, and the cycle repeated.

Meanwhile, partners were struggling to demonstrate real value to their leadership and employees. Tickets sat unused. Logos blended into noise. The connection between corporate support and community benefit felt distant at best.

What Impact Credits Actually Do

Our new Impact Credits model flips the script. Instead of purchasing ad space, partners choose how their support shows up in the community: sponsoring free community seats for families who couldn’t otherwise afford a show, underwriting workshops for local artists, or telling their partnership story in ways that demonstrate shared values rather than just visibility.

When our partner saw the model, the response was immediate: “This is an easier request. The credit structure makes sense, and I really like this partner story approach.”

The shift is simple but significant. Partners aren’t buying our stage. Instead, they’re investing in access, creativity, and connection. We’re not in the business of selling ads. We’re building partnerships that reflect what both organizations actually care about: a thriving, accessible arts community in Spearfish.

Why This Matters Beyond One Conversation

Since launching Impact Credits, we’ve had partners choose to sponsor seats for seniors, fund youth programming, and support emerging artists—things that directly advance our mission to inspire creativity and connect community. We’re tracking impact in ways that matter: number of free tickets provided, workshops funded, artists supported.

This isn’t just better fundraising. It’s a different way of thinking about what partnership means. When corporate support becomes community participation, everyone benefits.

If your organization wants to be part of what’s next at The Matthews—not as a logo, but as a partner—let’s talk. We’re building something that lasts longer than a season and means more than a playbill.

A Fresh Approach to Community Theater in Spearfish

We’re excited to announce a new way to get involved with community theater at The Matthews. Starting now, we’re building a Theater Support Team — a flexible volunteer group that helps bring productions to life, one project at a time.

What Is the Theater Support Team?

The Theater Support Team is a hands-on volunteer corps that tackles the practical work behind every show. This isn’t a traditional committee that selects productions or makes programming decisions. Instead, it’s a group of community members who help with the essential tasks that make theater happen.

What Does the Theater Support Team Do?

Volunteers can help with:

• Set construction and strike — building and breaking down the physical world of each show
• Costume pulls, repairs, and alterations — ensuring every actor looks the part
• Props sourcing and organization — finding and managing the objects that bring scenes to life
• Front-of-house staffing — ticketing, ushering, and concessions to welcome audiences
• Promoting auditions and performances — helping spread the word in the community
• Supporting cast and crew — lending a hand during tech week and show weekends

How Does It Work?

There’s no required time commitment. You can opt in project by project based on your interest and availability. Whether you can give a few hours or want to dive deep into a specific production, there’s a place for you.

All volunteers are expected to follow our Volunteer Code of Conduct, which includes showing up when you commit, treating cast, crew, and fellow volunteers with respect, and communicating if your availability changes.

How to Get Involved

Ready to join the Theater Support Team? Sign up here and let us know you’re interested. We’ll be reaching out soon with details about an information meeting where we can answer questions and talk through how this all works in practice.

Why Now?

Community theater has always been at the heart of what we do at The Matthews. This new model allows us to keep that spirit alive while giving more people the flexibility to participate in ways that work for their schedules and interests. It’s about making sure every production has the support it needs while respecting the time and energy our volunteers bring to the table.

Thank you for everything you bring to this community. We’re excited about where this will take us, and we hope you’ll be part of it.

Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 605-642-7973.

On May 30, 2025, something special happened at The Matthews Opera House. George Ducas, acclaimed songwriter, artist, and long-standing voice in the heart of country music, stepped onto our stage and, in 90 minutes, gave Spearfish a gift: an unforgettable performance that blended authenticity, storytelling, and the power of live music to bring people together.

For The Matthews, this wasn’t just another show. It was a statement about what we believe in and what we’re building for the future of our community. Having an artist of Ducas’ caliber perform here affirms that our small town has a place in the larger story of American music. It proves that artists with national influence and a deep catalog of songs, recorded by country greats like George Strait, The Chicks, and Garth Brooks, see Spearfish as a destination worthy of their craft.

But it’s not just about one night of music. It’s about creating opportunities for our community to experience something exceptional, right here at home. It’s about inspiring local songwriters who sat in that audience and thought, “If he can do it, maybe I can too.” It’s about building bridges, between generations, between artists and audiences, and between a vision for The Matthews as a vibrant, creative hub and the reality of what we’re making happen together.

Ducas’ presence on our stage symbolizes a broader ambition: to make The Matthews a space where established artists, up-and-comers, and local talent can all share the same platform. It’s a reminder that the arts aren’t just a luxury, they’re essential to the spirit of a community like Spearfish. When we gather together for nights like this, we’re not just watching a concert, we’re affirming our collective belief that live music matters, that stories matter, and that The Matthews is a place where both can thrive.

Here’s to the next show, the next artist, and the next chance to make magic in our little corner of the world. Who’s next? We can’t wait to find out.