Rapid City: Brewery and Art Center Release Collaborative Pilsner and Auction

Lost Cabin Beer Co. and the Suzie Cappa Art Center are releasing Exhibit 25, a collaborative Czech-style pilsner, on Nov. 8. The launch coincides with the opening of a month-long silent auction featuring 30 pieces by center artists.

The release and artist reception are scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. at 1401 W. Omaha St., Suite 3, in Rapid City. Taproom doors will open at 11 a.m. The event marks the 25th anniversary of the Suzie Cappa Art Center, which inspired the beer's name.

The Suzie Cappa Art Center, part of the Black Hills Works nonprofit, operates a studio and gallery at 722 St. Joseph St. in downtown Rapid City. The center, founded in 2001, supports 28 artists of all abilities in creating, exhibiting, and selling their work. Black Hills Works, established in 1958, provides support for adults with disabilities.

Artists from the center joined Lost Cabin brewers for a brew day in early October. The artists suggested a pilsner, and the brewers selected a Czech-style recipe. The artists then designed the can label using a collage of their artwork wrapped around the 16-ounce can. They returned to the brewery earlier this week for canning day.

Jesse Scheitler, co-founder and CEO of Lost Cabin Beer Co., said the team is proud to pour the beer and display the artwork. "Our crew is still talking about brew day with these artists. Then they went and made the label, and it's one of the best-looking cans we've ever put out. We're proud to pour this beer, and even prouder to have their work on our walls all month," Scheitler said.

Haley Friedt, gallery director at the Suzie Cappa Art Center, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. "The artists and team at SCAC could not be more excited to be a part of such an inclusive and exciting experience with the crew at Lost Cabin. From brew day to canning day, and everything in between, everyone has had a blast and cannot wait to share the end result with the community!" Friedt said.

Exhibit 25 has an alcohol by volume of 5.4%. It will be sold exclusively at the Rapid City taproom on draft and in 16-ounce four-packs while supplies last. Auction bidding will occur on sheets next to each artwork through Nov. 28, with final bids closing at 4 p.m. Pickup is set for Nov. 29. Proceeds will be split, with 40% going to the artists and 60% returning to the center for art supplies, events, and exhibitions.