Our Legacy is a Work of Art

In celebration of the Northwestern Public Service centennial from 1923 to 2023, NorthWestern Energy commissioned a captivating painting to honor a century of dedicated and reliable energy service in South Dakota. John C. Green, a renowned South Dakota artist, skillfully depicted a scene that encapsulates the essence of the state’s landscape and NorthWestern Energy’s commitment to its customers.

NorthWestern Energy worked with John C. Green to create a commemorative painting for NorthWestern Public Service’s centennial celebration.

The decision to feature a rural farm setting with our linemen providing essential services emerged from internal discussions. The goal was to evoke an immediate association with the South Dakota landscape, symbolizing the company’s 100-year legacy. The chosen theme showcases the linemen at work, emphasizing the dedication and reliability that our company has delivered to its customers throughout the decades.

South Dakota Artist John C. Green works in his studio.

Angie Christiansen, an employee from the Brookings office, recommended John as the artist for the commission. With experience in creating artwork for energy companies, John eagerly accepted the assignment. A three-time state duck stamp competition winner and recipient of the Judge’s Award of Merit at the National Wildlife Art Show, John brought his impressive credentials to the project.

With more than 30 years of professional experience and numerous sold-out limited editions to his name, John is an accomplished wildlife artist. His contributions to fundraisers, raising more than $3 million for Ducks Unlimited, highlight his commitment to giving back to the community.

Community Relations Manager Tom Glanzer admires NorthWestern’s commemorative centennial painting.

The commissioned painting captures the spirit of South Dakota. Reference photos of a bucket truck were utilized to ensure accuracy, with NorthWestern linemen generously offering their time to capture accurate photos out in the field. The resulting rural scene features power lines along a country road, incorporating a road sign that emphasizes NorthWestern Energy’s centennial history.

NorthWestern Energy’s Executive Team gathers at our Centennial Celebration in Huron, South Dakota.

The NorthWestern Energy Centennial Art Print serves a visual testament to the company’s enduring commitment to providing reliable energy services in South Dakota, beautifully encapsulating a century of achievement and service.

NorthWestern Energy CEO Brian Bird and Dana Dykhouse, Chairman of NorthWestern’s Board of Directors, cut the cake at our Centennial Celebration.