Midwest Nice Art is a collective cofounded by Epiphany Knedler and Tim Rickett in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Grounded in traditional Midwestern values, the collective integrates virtual and physical practices to support emerging and underrepresented artists.

After moving to rural South Dakota, Epiphany and Tim found a lack of access to contemporary art. Leveraging the pandemic's shift to online communities, they create opportunities for virtual juried exhibitions through Midwest Nice Art. The name reflects Midwestern cultural stereotypes of polite passive-aggressiveness, which they have reclaimed to foster a community based on respect, collaboration, and inclusion.

Outside of Midwest Nice Art, Epiphany is a Lecturer of Art at Northern State University and Faculty at the University of South Dakota and a Content Editor with LENSCRATCH; her work has been exhibited in the New York Times, Lucie Foundation, and Photolucida Critical Mass. Tim is an Assistant Professor of 3D Media and Gallery Director at Northern State University; his work has been exhibited in Juxtapoz’s Surreal Salon 16, SooVac with the Jealous Curator, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art.

Alyson Lang is the first Midwest Nice Art intern!

Aly is an undergraduate student at Northern State University studying Graphic Design. In her free time, she loves to thrift shop, dance, and go on coffee runs. 

Aly was also the first recipient of the Midwest Nice Art Award at the NSU Juried Student Exhibition in 2024. We’re excited to welcome her to our team!