February 2026
Sent: 2/7/2026 7:46:12 PM

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Fresh Paint

By Mecca Rutherford

February 2026

Happy 2026!

I hope your holiday season was delightful and you are enjoying a fresh start to your new year.

After a wonderfully full and successful 2025, I took some much needed time off in December and early January for refreshment. I am now joyfully back to painting and full of inspiration!

Winter Capitol

Inspiration...my favorite shot of our "Winter Capitol"

We finally got to our state capitol to see my painting, "Settling In" recently. Such a peaceful, snowy soft view of Capitol Lake and our majestic State Capitol Building from a park adjacent to the Governor's mansion.

Do you think this would make a good painting?? Please, message me back your thoughts, if you'd like! I'd love to know what you think :).

What's NEXT?

Houndstooth House!!

for February!

Houndstooth House February 2026 Michelle & Denise-owner designers

Houndstooth House February 2026 Michelle & Denise-owner/designers

I have been invited to show at Houndstooth House for the entire month of February!**

Mark your calendars for a Lively Artist's Reception on

Friday, February 13th from 5-7PM.***

Free Drinks, Appetizers and Music!

***I will have a PRIZE DRAWING for

FREE PRINTS & Greeting Cards!***

**I will have 13 pieces, including the 5 fresh off my easel that just went out in an email.

Houndstooth House Annual Art Show

Houndstooth House Annual Art Show

LACEY EIDEM - WATERCOLOR PAINTING SONJA HERNANDEZ - POTTERY XAVIER PASTRANO - MIXED MEDIA JEANNIE BLACKMAN - ACRYLIC MIXED MEDIA ERIN MURTHA - TEXTIL

Here are some of my paintings on display at Houndstooth House. Such creative pairings!

Houndstooth House February 2026 Corner of 37th & Phillips Sioux Falls

Houndstooth House February 2026

Corner of 37th & Phillips, Sioux Falls

Houndstooth House February 2026 Thistle & Hay

Houndstooth House February 2026

"Thistle & Hay"

Houndstooth House February 2026 Gold Lining

Houndstooth House February 2026

"Gold Lining"

Houndstooth House February 2026 Softly through the Pines

Houndstooth House February 2026

"Softly through the Pines"

Houndstooth House February 2026 Prairie Wildflowers I

Houndstooth House February 2026

"Prairie Wildflowers I"

Houndstooth House February 2026 Stillness at Legion Lake

Houndstooth House February 2026 "Stillness at Legion Lake"

Houndstooth House February 2026 Orange & Blue

Houndstooth House February 2026 "Orange & Blue" Textured & Oil on canvas

Houndstooth House February 2026 Dream of the Arc

Houndstooth House February 2026 "Dream of the Arc"

Sculpted & Oil on canvas

Houndstooth House Website

Rivers of the Plains Show

March 9, 2026 - June 6, 2026

At the Center for Western Studies, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD.

Once again, my monumental painting "The Falls" will be on display, in case you haven't yet been able to enjoy viewing it in person. AND 2 smaller NEW PIECES I am creating fresh for the show which feature...you guessed it, A RIVER ;)!

This is a juried show exploring the landscapes, history, cultures, and ecology of the Missouri River and the river systems of the Northern Plains.

The Falls

The Falls

Still Showing at:

NV STUDIO

These original oil paintings are currently available at NV Studio Gallery, downtown Sioux Falls: 106 W 11th St. 57104. Please, contact Julia Collins via call or text for inquiries: (605) 838-9134.

Julia is an experienced curator of local art: including paintings, sculptures, jewelry and handmade gifts!

NV Studio February 2026

NV Studio February 2026

Hilltop Cottonwood

Hilltop Cottonwood

Hey Look! Its the Badlands!

Hey Look! Its the Badlands!

Dakota in May

Dakota in May

ART MASTERS EXHIBIT

2025-2026

Minnehaha Country Club

Breakthrough

Breakthrough Oil on canvas 36" x 54"

Art Masters 2025-26 is an exclusive annual fine art exhibit hosted by Minnehaha Country Club (MCC). A select group of artists are invited to take part in this year-long exhibit in their public spaces, culminating in an exclusive art sale for Members of MCC and their guests.

If you are a member of MCC or know someone who is who might like to have you as their guest, I hope you will join us for the splendid Gala featuring a five course dinner and art sale--happening on Thursday, September 17th. Meanwhile, my oil painting entitled "Breakthrough" (see pic above) is currently on display at MCC through Sept 17th, 2026. Below is the show poster with all artwork.

2025 Art Masters Poster-3

2025 Art Masters Poster

Recent Private Commission:

Carols Buffy Oil on Canvas 22

Carol's "Buffy" Oil on Canvas 21" x 21"

Here is an example of a dear customer, Carol, who fell in love with a scene I used in another painting, "Frosty Graze." She wanted it much larger-this is a 21" square than the first miniture 6" painting I had first created of this scene. It was a joy to make her dreams come true with this sweet buffalo! *Thank you again, Amy Poole, for allowing me the use of your wonderful, winter capture!

Honors and Awards:

Settling In (email)

Settling In* Textured & Oil on canvas 4 x 8 ft.

*Supplies for this painting was partially funded by a grant from the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC). SDAC support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Jim and I finally got to our capitol in Pierre recently to see my painting "Settling In, " which the State purchased for their permanent collection! It hangs outside the Governor's office of Economic Development and near the Department of Tourism. Such an honor! It's right inside the entrance of the Dolly-Reed Plaza building if you happen to be in the area-just a block away from the capitol, across from Capitol lake and the Governor's mansion at

711 E Wells Ave, Pierre, SD 57501.

Mecca with Joe Fiala Deputy Commissioner of SD office of economic development

Mecca with Joe Fiala Deputy Commissioner of

SD Governor's Office of Economic Development.

Joe Fiala, Deputy Commissioner of South Dakota's Governor's Office of Economic Development was so kind and encouraging! My painting hangs right outside the office of Economic Development where he works, and it is TRULY such an honor to know my painting is bringing joy and delight to people who work there and are making such a difference in people's lives in our state!

THANKS FOR THE ENTHUSIASTIC TOUR BEHIND THE SCENES, JOE!!

Click the button below to see the story behind this painting!

Art Collection from South Dakota Arts Council

I open most of my painting sessions on my knees with a prayer that reminds me that it is through my heavenly Father that I have received not only my artistic gifting but also all inspiration and energy I have to express it.

Without Him, I can paint nothing. I paint through Him, for Him, and for His glory, always. And He, in turn, blesses me with His Joy as I paint. And it is that JOY from Him, that I have the privilege of sharing with you and with the world. I cannot wait to see how far the Lord will share His gift through me.

"For from him and through him and for him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen."

Romans 11:36 NIV