About this Event
Community Connections: Creative Places & Shared Skills
Creative Explorations Nonprofit and CAT Scratch Studios is bringing people together through two community-led gatherings, one in the Black Hills and one in Gregory County. These activities grew from conversations with local residents, Change Network alumni, and community members who shared their interests, skills, and ideas for creating stronger connections.
Both gatherings are designed to be welcoming, participatory, and flexible. Rather than simply attending an event, participants will have opportunities to share, learn, create, and connect with others. They are open to the public and FREE. Spaces are limited, register NOW!
Black Hills Creative Places
September 28, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
What place matters to you, and why?
This gathering will be co-hosted in 2 places that are important to the community of Spearfish. We will start at Henry's Books. We will experience part of the afternoon there and also at The Matthews Opera House. This activity day will help people explore our relationships with the places we live, work, and spend time in through nature-based activities, storytelling, and creative practices. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on meaningful places and create something inspired by those connections.
Some of the work may contribute to a future Creative Places traveling collection and exhibition, allowing community stories and creative expressions to be shared beyond the gathering.
Gregory County Community Skill Share
October 18, 2026 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hosted at the Gregory Public Library, this relaxed, community-led gathering offers everyone a space where they can share and learn together.
Participants will be invited to take part in a variety of hands-on experiences, including creative practices, cultural sharing, movement, and wellness activities. The gathering will include time for shared food, conversation, and connection.
The goal is simple: bring people together, share what we know, learn from one another, and explore what can grow from those connections.
Agenda
Community Conversations: Black Hills
🕑: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Community Conversations: Black Hills
Host: Tia Erin
Untitled agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Community Conversations: Gregory County
Host: Tara Jean Engel
Info: 10:00–10:15: Welcome & Introduction - Casey Burrus & Cary A. Thrall
10:15–11:00: Share - Tara Jean Engel- Painting / creative expression
11:15–12:00: Share - Cheri Isaacson- Movement + breath
12:15–1:00: Share - Cary A. Thrall- Lakota culture + hands-on making
1:15–1:45: Open Making
1:45-2:00: Closing
Event venue & nearby stays
Henry's Books, 111 East Hudson Street, Spearfish, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.