South Dakota Hall of Fame Receives Copyright Gift for Dignity of Earth & Sky
The South Dakota Hall of Fame announced today that it has received the copyright to the image of Dignity of Earth & Sky, the iconic sculpture created by Sculptor and 1987 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee Dale Lamphere, through a generous charitable gift from Lamphere and his wife, Jane Murphy.
The announcement was made during a media event and press conference held at the South Dakota Hall of Fame Visitor & Education Center in Chamberlain. The gift represents a significant contribution to the South Dakota Hall of Fame, allowing the organization to steward and protect the legacy of one of South Dakota’s most recognizable works of art while supporting the Hall’s mission.
Dignity of Earth & Sky has become a powerful symbol of South Dakota, recognized for its artistic significance and its connection to the state’s history, culture, and people. Through this gift, the South Dakota Hall of Fame will oversee the use of the image in future reproductions and derivative works, ensuring the integrity of the sculpture is preserved for generations to come.
The legal transfer of ownership is defined as follows
“Effective with the signatures of the Copyright Assignment being provided to the South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHoF) by Sculptor and SDHoF Inductee Dale Lamphere and his wife, Jane Murphy, the SDHoF owns the copyright to the image of Dignity. Per the Agreement, select uses will continue to be permitted for Dale Lamphere, as well as the use by the State of South Dakota for the Dignity License Plates. Other proposed uses for the image of Dignity in derivative works should be directed to the SDHoF with the request and description of proposed use to info@sdhalloffame.org. A specific request form will be available soon on the SDHoF website. All proposed items must honor the intent and aesthetic of Dignity. The SD Hall of Fame will only approve items that respect the Indigenous women, culture, traditions, and community that Dignity is meant to honor. Items must be true to character, likeness, and the spirit of the work. No item shall diminish the image or reputation of Dignity.”
Leadership of the South Dakota Hall of Fame expressed gratitude for the gift and its lasting impact, noting that this contribution strengthens the organization’s ability to preserve, share, educate, and honor South Dakota’s stories of excellence.
More information about the South Dakota Hall of Fame and future updates regarding image use requests will be shared at www.sdhalloffame.org.