Statement / Bio

Joe Schaeffer (b. 1990) is a graphic designer, artist, and educator born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Sioux Falls, where he teaches, mentors, and curates exhibitions to inspire creativity and engagement within the community. Schaeffer is also the co-owner of Norse Art Space, a contemporary art venue dedicated to fostering dialogue and connection through the arts.

In addition to these roles, Schaeffer maintains a personal art and design practice that explores the relationship between commercial design and fine art. Moving fluidly between abstraction and structure, his work reflects on the shifting boundaries between art and commerce, encouraging viewers to consider art’s accessibility and its broader cultural context.

Group Exhibitions

2024 | ArtWalk NY, NY, NYC

2023 | SeeSaw, Ipso Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2023 | Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk, Sioux Falls, SD

2023 | Department of Art Faculty & Alumni Exhibition, Jeschke Art Gallery, University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD

2023 | South Dakota Governor's 10th Biennial Art Exhibition, South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings, SD

2023 | XX: 20 Sculptures Celebrating 20 Years of SculptureWalk, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center - Bates Trimble Heartland Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2023 | Lucky Numbers, Ipso Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2022 | Painting Show 2022, Hair & Nails, Minneapolis, MN

2022 | Department of Art Faculty & Alumni Exhibition, Jeschke Art Gallery, University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD

2022 | Department of Art Alumni Exhibition, John A. Day Gallery, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

2021 | 100 Years of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center - Bates Trimble Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2021 | Catalyst - 60th Annual Arts Night Exhibition, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center - Everist Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2021 | South Dakota Governor's 9th Biennial Art Exhibition, South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings, SD

2021 | On The Edge, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center - Bates Trimble Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2020 | Agents of Change, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center - Everist Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2020 | Art in Context - International Artist Invitation Exhibition, Artlaozi Online Space

2020 | Canis Latrans | University of South Dakota MFA, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center - Shultz Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2019 | Seams of Form, University of South Dakota, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, SD

2019 | Finding Rothko [Drawing Performance], South Dakota Symphony, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD

2019 | White Ribbon, IPSO Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2019 | Reflection: Inspiration From NYC, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

2018 | Not For Sale, Washington Street Arts Center, Vermillion, SD

2018 | Stillwell Exhibition, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

2017 | Stillwell Exhibition, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

2016 | Design Sioux Falls, Exposure Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2013 | International Urban Media Design Conference, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea

Solo Exhibitions

2024 | SKU, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center - Jerstad Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2020 | Loose Prospects, University of Sioux Falls, Jeschke Art Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2019 | Joe Schaeffer: Works, Rehfeld’s Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

2019 | Joe Schaeffer: Works, Museum of Visual Materials, Sioux Falls, SD

2019 | Design Talks: Joe Schaeffer, Sioux Falls Design Center, Sioux Falls, SD

2018 | Joe Schaeffer: Works, JLG Architects, Sioux Falls, SD

2018 | Joe Schaeffer: Works, Sioux Falls Arts Council Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD

Collections

Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center Permanent Collection, Sioux Falls, SD

Midwest Fidelity Partners Corporate Collection, Sioux Falls, SD

Startup Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD

Press

2021 | Interview with Sioux Falls Gallery

2020 | Interview with The Volante

2018 | 605 Magazine

2018 | Interview with SiouxFalls.Business

2018 | Argus Leader

Education

2019 | MFA - Graphic Design, Department of Art, University of South Dakota

2013 | BFA - Graphic Design, Department of Art, University of South Dakota