Dick Termes’ newest Termesphere now hangs in the South Dakota State Capitol
On April 12, 2025, artist Dick Termes unveiled his latest Termesphere in the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre; A commissioned work honoring the 100th session of the state legislature. The event marked the culmination of months of commemoration and celebration, and the sphere now hangs in its permanent home on the fourth floor, just outside the legislative committee rooms.
This three-foot-wide Termesphere offers a complete 360-degree view into the world of the legislature. It captures not only the Capitol itself, but the people who bring it to life; legislators deep in discussion, community members watching from the gallery, a mother holding her child with hope for South Dakota’s future. Every figure was carefully composed from real-life photos Dick took during the Governor’s speech, cropped and arranged to highlight the intensity and humanity of the process.
Despite undergoing major surgery just ten days earlier, Dick made the trip to Pierre to attend the unveiling. He stood beside his daughter Markie, who delivered his prepared remarks. Together, they shared the story behind the piece with a room full of lawmakers and guests. At the end, Dick stepped forward to say just a few words and was met with a powerful standing ovation.
That evening, the Termesphere moved to a nearby reception where guests gathered around to study it closely. Many were delighted as they recognized themselves in the depicted in the painting.
The following day, the Termesphere was installed in its permanent location. A mirrored table will soon be added beneath it, allowing visitors to view the bottom of the sphere—where the state of South Dakota anchors the composition and flows upward toward the Capitol rotunda.
You’ll be able to read more about this incredible work of art in the upcoming issue of the 2025 South Dakota Arts Journal, published by South Dakota Magazine. The article will appear in the May/June issue, expected to hit newsstands within two weeks. Copies can be purchased directly from South Dakota Magazine or found at select newsstands across the state.
Special thanks go to Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen and longtime friend and supporter Bernie Hunhoff for making this commission possible.
Dick has not yet titled this piece and is inviting the public to submit suggestions.