Two local artist powerhouses have come together to open Norse Art Space this past year in Sioux falls.
Joe Schaeffer and Cody Henrichs met around six years ago at the University of South Dakota during Schaeffer’s time at graduate school.
“I first met Cody during graduate school, shortly after he had accepted the role of head curator at the Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center,” recalled Schaeffer. “Our paths crossed during a university studio visit, and that initial conversation evolved into a deeper creative connection.”
Henrichs, who has been a working artist for over 20 years, has exhibited his work in cities such as New York, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Portland, Chicago, and Providence, as well as throughout Minnesota and South Dakota. At the Pavilion, Henrichs curated over 150 exhibitions, including working directly with some of Schaeffer’s exhibitions.
Over time, Schaeffer says he and Henrich’s professional relationship deepened into a “grounded mutual respect for each other’s practices and perspectives.”
“Eventually, Cody joined me at the University of Sioux Falls as a colleague, teaching sculpture and art history in the art department,” said Schaeffer. “Working alongside him in both academic and curatorial contexts, I saw firsthand the thoughtfulness and rigor he brings to every aspect of his work.”
Building entrepreneur Paul Gourley had space available at 100 W 39th Street, and reached out to Schaeffer directly with an idea.
Henrich recalls Gourley having a strong vision for the space to have an arts-focused purpose, and says his enthusiasm helped push this project from dream to reality.
“Paul has been absolutely instrumental. Without his encouragement, insight, and support, Norse would still be just a concept,” said Henrichs. “His belief in the power of contemporary art to transform a space—and a community—has been essential.”
Schaeffer says along with Gourley’s passion, it was the architecture and “bones” that drew them in with clean lines, industrial textures, and warmer lighting.
“We wanted the gallery environment to feel open, modern, and quietly intentional, creating a tone that resonates with both contemporary art and design sensibilities,” said Schaeffer.
He continued, “The visual language we’ve developed blends those worlds: it’s rooted in clarity and structure, but always leaves room for experimentation and nuance. That’s reflective not only of our own practices, but also of the work we aim to show.”
The gallery was dubbed Norse Art Space, named after the original home of the resident, Norse Printing Press.
“The name Norse honors that history, while giving it new life,” said Henrichs. “We see Norse as both a continuation and a transformation; it holds the memory of what came before, while making room for something entirely new.”
The mission-driven platform was created to challenge, celebrate, and build a “new center of gravity” for contemporary art in the region. A goal for the duo is to make a space that can compete with larger cities.
“Joe and I wanted to create a professional, polished exhibition space—something that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with New York galleries in terms of curatorial standards and presentation,” said Henrichs. “We’re seeking work that is cutting-edge, conceptually strong, and relevant work that matters.”
“One Standout moment was a visitor telling us, ‘i didn’t know something like this could exist here.’ that affirmed our vision.”
-Cody henrichs
While the co-owners are opening a newer space for artist spotlights, they do acknowledge other galleries making a local impact, like IPSO Gallery, Rose & Eugene Presents, and others are creating “much-needed” opportunities. Henrichs says overall the area is still 25–30 years behind Minneapolis– Saint Paul and even further behind cities like New York.
“The scene here is eclectic, with very different types of artists grouped together due to a lack of dedicated venues,” said Henrichs. “There’s also a kind of ‘arts monopoly,’ where a few spaces dominate and opportunities are scarce. That said, we see this as fertile ground—a kind of Wild West for contemporary art. There’s room to build something meaningful and lasting.”
Imprint is the current exhibition that runs through July dedicated to Cory Knedler, who recently stepped down as chair of the art department at the USD after more than 25 years.
“Cory has played a foundational role in shaping both the department and the broader South Dakota art community through his teaching, mentorship, and creative leadership,” said Schaeffer.
The exhibition title, Imprint, references Knedler’s background in printmaking, and also is a nod to his impact on the regional arts landscape.
“the timing felt right, not because everything was perfectly aligned, but because we trusted in each other’s values and were ready to invest in building something new for artists, collectors, and the region.”
-Joe Schaeffer
“This is a community effort, and we’re honored to be part of it. We invite everyone—artists, creatives, skeptics, and the curious—to come experience it for themselves.”
-Cody Henrichs
“The exhibition is both a celebration and a thank you—honoring the influence he’s had on generations of artists, colleagues, and students,” said Schaeffer.
The show features work by current USD faculty, as well as alumni whose practices have been shaped by Knedler’s presence over the years. A wide range of media is displayed, like painting, design, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital projection.
Coming up next is a collaborative showcase between Schaeffer and Henrichs, focusing on the intersection of light and function in contemporary art.
“The exhibition explores how aesthetics and utility can be fused in a gallery setting,” said Henrichs. “It highlights works that straddle the line between sculpture, installation, and design—functional objects infused with artistic intent.”
Dates and more details will be released on their website and social media soon. If someone wants to visit Norse Art Space, appointments can be made. The pair offer private walk-throughs and can be as hands-off or hands-on as the guest prefers.
“We’ve had creative teams and office groups come through for tours, especially from industries that thrive on visual innovation,” said Henrichs. “It’s an intimate and immersive experience.”
In addition to hosting exhibitions, Norse Art Space also offers art advisory services for individuals and organizations. Whether artists are interested in beginning a personal collection, need guidance on curating artwork for your home, or want to explore how art can enhance a corporate space or brand environment, Schaeffer says they’re here to help.
“We’re invested not only in showing great work, but in helping art find meaningful places to live beyond our walls,” he said.
As for the future of Norse Art Space, Henrichs says they envision the gallery giving opportunities artists see nationwide.
“Joe and I see Norse as a catalyst for a thriving economic and cultural arts ecosystem in Sioux Falls and the surrounding region,” said Henrichs. “We want to see Midwestern artists—especially those in rural areas—gain the same access to collectors, critics, and opportunities as their coastal peers. Norse is just the beginning.”
For more information, visit NORSEARTSPACE.COM+
