Museum reprints Dunn book

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BROOKINGS – It has been almost 15 years since someone approached South Dakota Art Museum Director Lynn Verschoor about a book on Harvey Dunn. As she began to organize the details, she received a call from Walt Reed announcing he had the book ready to publish.

In 2010, the museum released “Harvey Dunn, Illustrator and Painter of the Pioneer West” by Reed. Since then, Verschoor has been engaged in the process of reprinting the book “Where Your Heart Is” by Robert Karolevitz ’47 following a donation from Richard and Sharon Cutler. The hardback book contains 208 pages and will sell for $25. 

Proceeds will go toward conserving Dunn’s work as well as purchasing new pieces for the museum’s Dunn Collection. The South Dakota Art Museum is also selling reprints of Dunn’s “Red Cross.” There are three sizes available, both framed and unframed.

Verschoor called her years working on the book a labor of love.

The museum will hold a reception from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 7. Phyllis Karolevitz, Robert’s widow, will talk at 5:45 p.m. about her experience meeting the many individuals mentioned in the book.

“With updated technology, we are including more color images, as well as many new images from the museum’s growing collection and images from Richard and Sharon Cutler’s collection,” Verschoor said. “The rich narrative by Robert Karolevitz will remain the same. The book is a wonderful account of Dunn’s life based on personal interviews with Dunn’s wife, Tulla, and his children, Robert and Louise, in addition to some of his students and professional and personal contacts.

“The rewards of working on this book have been many, including meeting Robert and Phyllis Karolevitz,” she continued. “My only regret is that Robert passed away before he could see it realized. Another gift is connecting with many of Dunn’s descendants. They have all been very gracious and supportive.

“I’ve always been fascinated with Dunn’s work and life. His paintings are the museum’s cornerstone collection. His original gift of 38 paintings is the reason we exist. Dunn’s work continues to captivate viewers as we shed new light on the multiple facets of his life and work. He is truly a South Dakota treasure and it is an honor to present this beautiful book.”