Beulah Donnell (1922 – 2003) worked tirelessly to bring art to the people of South Dakota. Former Governor William J. Janklow described her as, “a lady who has devoted her adult life to the arts and to helping others know the joy such expression brings.” In 2001, he proclaimed June·22-24 as Beulah Donnell-Days and awarded her the Governor’s Award in the Arts. Today, her influence is seen in the artists she has inspired, the arts organizations and events she began, the architecture she saved, and through her own paintings.

 

Beulah served in the Marines, studied art at Chadron State College, Black Hills Teacher’s College, received a diploma from the Chicago School of Interior Design, and attended Autumn Art Workshops in Halsey, Nebraska for over 20 years.

 

She poured her creative energy into the city of Hot Springs where she and her husband raised six children. Together they opened Donnell’s Mini Mall and Art Store. Prior to this, Beulah taught kindergarten, worked at the VA Medical Center and was the Deputy County Superintendent of Schools. She founded the Southern Hills Art Association, Main Street Arts and Crafts Festival, Hot Springs Arts Council, Goddard Gallery, Springs Community Players, and Save Our Sandstone (S.O.S.)