“I feel like every decision I’ve ever made has led to this outcome,” said Mel Cotton, owner and curator of Rose and Eugene Presents.
After working at a non-profit art gallery while studying studio art and art history at South Dakota State University, Mel got a job as a photographer. Leaning into styling and lighting led to marketing, which led to management.
After nearly a decade of buying, selling, and marketing, Mel said she felt ready to make the leap to owning her own gallery.
In April of 2023, Mel and her husband, Les, opened Rose and Eugene Presents in downtown Sioux Falls in The Cascade at Falls Park.
The driving force behind Rose and Eugene Presents lies in Mel’s firm belief in the power of art to shape local culture and enhance the community.
ARTS & MORE
In addition to the gallery space, Rose and Eugene Presents carries all of the following:
+ Art Supplies
+ Bath & Beauty
+ Books
+ Frames
+ Games
+ Gifts
+ Greeting Cards
+ Home Accents
+ Jewelry
+ Original Art
+ Patches
+ Pet Supplies
+ Enamel Pins
+ Prints
+ Stationary
+ Stickers
“Art is an expansive scope that shapes local culture, bolsters the economy, and fosters a sense of community,” explained Mel. “The sheer variety of styles and perspectives within the art world is nearly infinite.”
Witnessing the untapped potential of local creatives and the limited opportunities available to them, Mel says she knew there was a need for a platform that could rebalance the scale.
Thus, Rose and Eugene was born, with a focus on offering an array of creatives, a stage to display their work, and connecting like- minded individuals whose values align with the gallery’s ethos.
Read more about Sioux Falls’ newest gallery and its owner.
THE REASON BEHIND THE NAME ROSE AND EUGENE PRESENTS IS THAT…
Rose is my middle name and Eugene is my husband Les’s middle name. Both are family names. It’s both of us and neither of us, and it’s kind of fresh and also has a history.
THE PIECES AND PRODUCTS WE CARRY ARE…
a curated selection that is primarily sourced from the Midwest, Great Plains, and Rocky Mountain regions. This includes a diverse range of items such as art, gifts, jewelry, skincare, and even pet supplies. Most of this goodness is crafted by passionate creatives and dedicated entrepreneurs right here in the Heartland. Rose and Eugene is a place where people can find items that truly express their individuality while supporting their community.
Staff Spotlight
Minnie Cotton serves as the Director of Barketing & Customer Relations. She’s shy, but loves cuddles!
MY DAY-TO-DAY AT WORK IS…
structured, yet fulfilling. One day a week is split between marketing and finances. The rest of the week is all about operations, customer service, and filling my dog Minnie’s snuggle quota. It doesn’t sound glamorous, but serving my customers and being surrounded by inspiring art and music makes every day rewarding. I love it and couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
MY FAVORITE PLACE IN SIOUX FALLS IS…
after Rose and Eugene, my couch! I’m an ambivert, and love bringing high-vibe energy to my customers and clients. When it’s time to rest, I go hard.
THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS…
all of it! My customers, artists, and vendors are amazing. We’re a legit community, and have shared values and interests and truly enjoy supporting each other. My space is flooded with natural light, which allows me to bring botanical life into the space. I’m surrounded by inspiring art and music every day. Don’t even get me started about my neighborhood. I have the best neighbors in the most beautiful location.
FOLLOW ALONG
@ROSEANDEUGENE ON INSTAGRAM.
SOMETHING HOW I WOULD DESCRIBE MY STYLE IS…
artful. Eclectic. Bohemian. Granny-core. Gallery walls, plants, natural wood tones, color, covered tissue boxes.
SOMEONE I ADMIRE IS…
my ride-or-die, Les Cotton. Dr. Norman Gambill (RIP). Bob Dylan. Kimberly Drew. Spock. I’m sparked by fiercely independent, wildly unconventional passionate folks, and I admire people who are in a perpetual state of growth. The unstuck. People in motion.
MY GO-TO COFFEE ORDER IS…
black coffee. My morning doesn’t start until The Daily from The Breaks Coffee Roasting Co. starts dripping. When I need a break from the gallery and I’m feeling fancy, I hit up my neighbors at La Luna Café. I’ve never taken the time to get to know specialty coffees, but I do like trying new things. Luna’s team is great at surprising me with caffeinated bangers. I couldn’t name a single beverage they’ve made me, but I’ve loved every one!
THE PROCESS OF HOW I CURATE IS…
by emphasizing locally made items from surrounding areas while ensuring they aesthetically align with the gallery’s vibe and further display narratives. Most importantly I look for pieces that delight and support creativity, growth, belonging, or self-confidence.
MY MISSION IS…
to celebrate Midwest creatives in a warm, inclusive space.
SOMETHING I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT ROSE AND EUGENE PRESENTS IS THAT…
we’re family owned and operated. We have all kinds of out-of-towners that wonder if Rose and Eugene is a franchise. It isn’t. We’re one little shop. I curate goods and handle the day-to-day, Mr. Cotton is in charge of all things brand-related in addition to being an expert gopher, and Minnie is our director of “barketing” and customer relations. Together we keep the doors open six days a week and ship treasures from our region across the continental United States.
MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS/PIECES WE CARRY INCLUDE…
all of our prints, art supplies, and any fine artworks by artists Solomon Carlson and Cam Stalheim. Solomon’s pieces showcase stunning details and futuristic yet relatable imagery while Cam’s works are soft, sensual, and super-controlled, with a dash of campy humor. All must-sees.
MY SOMETHING THAT’S INFLUENCING ME ARTISTICALLY RIGHT NOW IS…
current events. The world is so heavy, so I’m doing what I can to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive space for everyone.
