Curriculum Vitae
Education
2017 MFA, Photography, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
2014 BFA, Photography, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Licenses
2019-Present Remote Pilot for Small UAV (Drone)
Solo Exhibitions
2024 Sweet, No. 7 Center Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2022 Hyper-Photomontage, Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery, Aberdeen, SD
2022 Quit Your Day Job, No. 7 Center Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2021 Epically Masked, No. 7 Center Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2020 Networks of Noise, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hopkins, MN
2020 Aaron C. Packard, The Beard Gallery, Frontone, Italy
2016 Networks of Noise, No. 7 Center Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2014 Camera Obscura, LumoStudios & Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2014 Self Portrait, Gallery 110, Vermillion SD
2012 Fortieth, LumoStudios & Gallery, Vermillion, SD
Two Person Exhibitions
2023 Overly Dramatic, Sanford Museum, Cherokee, IA (with Klaire Lockheart)
2022 The Big, the Shiny, and the Subversive, Tugboat Gallery, Lincoln, NE (with Klaire Lockheart)
2020 Klaire Skull Goth-o-Rama, No. 7 Center Gallery, Vermillion, SD (with Klaire Lockheart)
2017 Networks of Ambiguity, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, SD (with Kasey Prudhomme)
Group Exhibitions
2025 Benefit, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Omaha, NE
2025 The Same Coin, Unitled.10, Sioux Falls, SD
2025 Heartland Horizons, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD
2024 Off the Clock, APA LA, Los Angeles, CA
2024 No Free Lunch, Third Eye Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD
2024 ARTcetera 2024, Sioux City Arts Center, Sioux City, IA
2024 Bullet Proof, Cee Cee’s Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2023 Motorcycles as Art, Progressive Gardens, Buffalo Chip, SD (Curated by Savannah Rose)
2023 Benefit, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Omaha, NE
2022 Scary Monsters, Third Eye Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD
2022 Local Perspectives, Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City, IA
2022 Femininity in the Post-Apocalypse, Washington Street Arts Center, Vermillion, SD
2022 Alumni Art Exhibit, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2022 Boosting the Signal, Nickel Plate Arts, Noblesville, IL
2022 Care, Muenster University Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2022 ARTcetera 2022, Sioux City Arts Center, Sioux City, IA
2021 Catalyst, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD (Juried by Kellen Boice Amy Fill, and Angela Zonunpari)
2021 Haunted, Washington Street Arts Center, Vermillion, SD
2021 Pandemic: The Art of Survival, Center for Western Studies, Sioux Falls, SD
2021 75% Packard 25% Lockheart, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD (with Ahna Packard, Phyllis W. Packard, and Klaire Lockheart)
2020 6x6x2020: International Small Art Phenomenon, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester, NY
2020 The Streets Belong to Us, İnece Ortaokulu, İnece, Türkiye (Curated by Derya Avci)
2020 PO-MO II, Selçuk University, Selçuk, Turkey
2020 Odyssey, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD (Juried by Cory Knedler, Lisa McElrath, and Becky McElroy)
2020 Project Ms. Assembled Reformation, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2020 Subversive Celebration: International Altered Card Exhibition, Gallery 110, Vermillion, SD
2020 Correspondance, Lien d’Art Contemporain, Strasboug, France
2019 VAAC 1st Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition, First Dakota National Bank Coyote Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2019-20 South Dakota Governor’s 8th Biennial Art Exhibition, South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings; Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City; John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, and Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD (Juried by Lynn Verschoor, Denise Du Broy, Meagan Dion, and Kate Skelly)
2019 Greetings From, Squirrel Haus Arts, Minneapolis, MN
2019 6x6x2019: International Small Art Phenomenon, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester, NY
2019 Celebrate, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD
2018 Glass Kosmos, Gallery 110, Vermillion, SD
2018 Benefit, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Omaha, NE
2018 Escape, Red Garage Studio, Minneapolis, MN
2017-18 South Dakota Governor’s 7th Biennial Art Exhibition, Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City; South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, and Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD (Juried by Lynn Verschoor, Denise Du, Broy, Megan Dion, and Michelle St. Vrain)
2017 30th Annual Stilwell Exhibition, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2016 15th Annual Lessedra World Art Mini-Print Exhibit, Lessedra Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria (Juried by Kalli Kalde, Anita Klein, Luce, and Jan Welles)
2016 29th Annual Stilwell Exhibition, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, SD (Juried by Larry Schuh)
2015 MFA Graduate Student Exhibition, Bede Art Gallery, Yankton, SD
2015-16 South Dakota Governor’s 6th Biennial Art Exhibition, Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City; South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, and Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD (Juried by Christopher Atkins)
28th Annual Stilwell Exhibition, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, SD (Juried by Liz Bashore Heeren)
2015 University Invitational, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD
2015 The ND/SD Photography Survey, Jamestown Art Center, Jamestown, ND; University of Mary, Bismarck, ND; Ellendale Opera House, Ellendale, ND; James Memorial Art Center, Williston, ND; Northwest Art Center, Minot, ND; Memorial Union Gallery, Fargo, ND; Dickinson State University Gallery, Dickinson, SD; Northern Lights Gallery, Mayville, ND; Mount Marty University, Yankton, SD; Cultural Heritage Museum, Pierre, SD; University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD; Over Museum, Vermillion, SD; Dahl Art Center, Rapid City, SD
2012 The 50 States Project, Online Exhibition, www.stuartpilkington.co.uk/50states (Juried by Stuart Plinkington)
Awards and Grants
2025 Special Recognition, Denis Roussel Awards, Fort Worth, TX
2025 1st Place, Lifestyle, APA Awards, Los Angeles, CA
2025 Honorable Mention, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, CA
2025 Artist Fellowship, South Dakota Arts Council, Pierre, SD
2025 Honorable Mention, 18th Annual Edition, International Color Awards, Beverly Hills, CA
2025 Elements of Advertising Silver, American Advertising Federation Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
2024 #1 Judges Choice Series Lifestyle, ASMP National, San Francisco, CA
2024 1st Place Series for Corporate/Industrial, ASMP National, San Francisco, CA
2024 1st Place Single Image for Conceptual/Altered, ASMP National, San Francisco, CA
2024 2nd Place, Travel/Landscape, APA Awards, Los Angeles, CA
2024 Honorable Mention for Americana, 17th Annual Edition, International Color Awards, Beverly Hills, CA
2024 Rank & File Nominated for Abstract, 17th Annual Edition, International Color Awards, Beverly Hills, CA
2024 Off the Clock, APA LA, Los Angeles, CA
2024 2nd Place for Professional Advertising, Product, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, CA
2024 Elements of Advertising Gold, American Advertising Federation Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
2024 Elements of Advertising Silver, American Advertising Federation Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
2024 Print Advertising Gold, American Advertising Federation Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
2023 Artist Career Development Grant, South Dakota Arts Council, Pierre, SD
2023 Honorable Mention, 16th Annual Edition, International Color Awards, Beverly Hills, CA
2023 Best in Class, American Advertising Federation South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD
2022 Official Selection Advertising-Brands Campaign, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, CA, for Black Hills Ammunition
2022 Elements of Advertising Gold, American Advertising Federation Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
2021 Jerry Goldstein Foundation Award, Raleigh, NC
2021 South Dakota Artist Emergency Relief Fund, Arts South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD and Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, MN
2020 Honorable Mention Professional: Fine Art Portrait, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, CA
2020 Best of Show, American Advertising Federation Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
2020 Elements of Advertising Gold, American Advertising Federation Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
2020 Merit Award, Project Ms. Assembled Reformation, John A. Day Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2016 Graduate Academic & Creative Research Grant, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
2015 Honorable Mention Professional: Advertising Other AD, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, CA2015 Elements of Advertising Silver, National American Advertising Awards, Las Vegas, NV
2015 Campaign Gold, American Advertising Federation District 8, Minneapolis, MN
2013 Campaign Silver, American Advertising Federation District 8, Minneapolis, MN
2011 Campaign Gold, American Advertising Federation District 8, Minneapolis, MN
2009 Point-of-Purchase Silver, South Dakota Advertising Federation, Sioux Falls, SD
2008 Elements of Advertising Silver, South Dakota Advertising Federation, Sioux Falls, SD
Presentations
“Old and Expired,” Fotolab No. 7 Photowalk, Instructor, Vermillion, SD, April 12, 2025
“Headshot Workshop,” USD Guest Lecture, Presenter, Vermillion, SD, April 20, 2022
“Photographing Paintings,” USD Guest Lecture, Presenter, Vermillion, SD, April 20, 2022
“The Palladium Print,” Art, Presenter, IdeaFest, Vermillion, SD, April 15, 2015
“S.T.E.M. Versus S.T.E.A.M.,” Art, Panelist, IdeaFest, Vermillion, SD, April 15, 2015
Teaching Experience
2010-2021 Adjunct Instructor, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, (Courses Included Digital Photography I & II, Alternative Processes, and Drawing)
2010-2012 Adjunct Instructor, University Center Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD, (Digital Photography I)
Professional Experience
2002-Present Commercial/Editorial/Fine Art Photographer, Aaron C Packard Productions, Vermillion, SD
(The Legendary Buffalo Chip, Black Hills Ammunition, New York Times, Huffington Post, GuidePosts, Bloomberg News, Mount Marty College, University of St. Thomas, Family Circle, Out Door Life, Avera McKennan Health Systems, Sanford School of Medicine, eWEEK, Government Technology, Stamats, University of South Dakota, Bank of the West, First National Bank, and numerous private individuals)
2017-2022 Visual Editor, Marketing & University Relations, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
2006-2008 Information Specialist/Photographer, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
2000-2002 Professional Freelance Photographer/Producer, Aaron Packard Photography, San Francisco, CA
(CDW, Mervyn’s California, HSI Design, Antenna Audio, Juin Ho Design, and Buzzabaloobeez Recording Compan)
1997-2000 First Assistant, Menuez Pictures, Mill Valley, CA
(IBM, Microsoft, Sysco Systems, Disney, General Motors, Kia, Saturn, Champion USA, and numerous editorial publications)
1995-1997 First Assistant Photographer at The Hagin Group (Mill Valley, CA)
(Catalog production house specializing in lifestyle brands: Starbucks, Garden Botanika, Disney, Birkenstocks, and more)
1994-1995 Freelance Photographic Assistant (San Francisco, CA)
1989-1993 US NAVY (enlisted)
Opticalman, petty officer third class (OM3), honorably discharged, rank: E4
Selected Bibliography
Lori Walsh, “An artistic tour of South Dakota,” South Dakota Public Radio, Vermillion, SD, September 11, 2025
David Lias, “Packard Receives Top Photo Honor From APA,” Plain Talk, Vermillion, SD, August 22, 2025
Carolyn Albracht, “‘Signs of Rural Life” juried exhibit in Wayne,” Norfolk Daily News, Norfolk, NE, July 10, 2025
Klaire Lockheart, “Dune (1984) with Aaron C Packard plus Korey Luna,” Femininity in the Post-Apocalypse, Vermillion, SD, June 24, 2025
Klaire Lockheart, “Blade Runner with Aaron C Packard plus Rachael Anne Omps,” Femininity in the Post-Apocalypse, Vermillion, SD, January 28, 2025
Basil O’Brien, Winners Book 2024, International Color Awards, Beverly Hills, CA, 2024
Jenn Sanchez, “Meet Aaron C Packard,” CanvasRebel, Culver City, CA, April 11, 2024
Basil O'Brien, Winners Book 2024, International Color Awards, Beverly Hills, CA, 2024
Klaire Lockheart, “Mad Max with Aaron C Packard plus Sonia Hernandez Packard,” Femininity in the Post-Apocalypse, Vermillion, SD, January 30, 2024
Erin Rydgren, “Overly Dramatic Opens at Sanford,” Cherokee Chronicle Times, Cherokee, IA, September 14, 2023
David Lias, “Hot Weather Won’t Stop Start Of Cool Art Exhibit Aug. 25,” Plain Talk, Vermillion, SD, August 25, 2023
Margi Culhane, “Featured Artist Aaron Packard,” Empire Lifestyle, Dakota Dunes, SD, May 2023
Riva Sharples, “Outdoor Exhibit Showcases 105 Works of Art From Around the Nation,” Plain Talk, Vermillion, SD, September 2, 2022
Lori Walsh, “South Dakota photographer earns advertising award,” South Dakota Public Radio, Vermillion, SD, April 22, 2022
Riva Sharples, “Vermillion Photographer Earns Prestigious Gold ADDY Award,” Plain Talk, Vermillion, SD, April 15, 2022
Jessica Pfohl Paisley, “Epically Masked/Epicamente enmascarado,” Amidst Magazine, Dubuque, IA, Issue One, 2021
Katherine Cooksey, “Ep. 79 The Dream Team: MAW South Dakota Klaire Lockheart & Aaron C Packard,” Miss Art World, Los Angeles, CA, June 03, 2021
Anson Mareus, “Popular artists offer new exhibits in visual arts center,” KELO, Sioux Falls, SD, March 22, 2021
Riva Sharples, “Artwork By Vermillion Family On Display At Washington Pavilion,” Plain Talk, Vermillion, SD, February 26, 2021
Stephen Thurman, “Aaron Packard’s Epically Masked Photos Win International Award,” Arts Alive, Sioux Falls, SD, February 2021
Riva Sharples, “Have Fun Tonight, Friday The 13th, At Lockheart, Packard Art Reception,” Plain Talk, Vermillion, SD, March 13, 2020
Mary Panerio, “An Insider’s View of the Outsiders: The Sturgis Buffalo Chip through Aaron Packard’s Lens,” Sturgis Rider News, Sturgis, SD. August 22, 2019
Mary Panerio, “A Photo Journey to the Heart of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip by Aaron Packard,” Sturgis Rider News, Sturgis, SD. August 23, 2018
Mary Panerio, “A Photo Adventure of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip by Aaron Packard,” Sturgis Rider News, Buffalo Chip, SD. August 21, 2017
Jean Laughton, “Aaron C. Packard: The States Project: South Dakota,” Lenscratch, Los Angeles, CA, February 24, 2016
Goldman, Barbara, “Aaron Packard Wins Addy for Black Hills Ammunition Campaign,” PhotoServe, New York, NY. June 17, 2015
Sonia Hernandez, “Aaron Packard Wins Gold American Advertising Award,” Plain Talk, Vermillion, SD, April 24, 2015
Goldman, Barbara, “Aaron Packard Shoots for Buffalo Chip Gazette,” PhotoServe, New York, NY, July 31, 2011
Exhibitions Juried
2025 Signs of Rural Life, Blue Cat Gallery, Wayne, NE
2021 Morningside Student Art Show, Eppley Gallery, Sioux City, IA
2021 Scholastic Art Awards for South Dakota, Gallery 110, Vermillion, SD
2020 All Geared Up and Nowhere to Go, Washington Street Arts Center, Vermillion, SD
2020 Vermillion's Private Collection, First Dakota Coyote Gallery, Vermillion, SD
2020 VAAC Social Distancing Solo Exhibition, Washington Street Arts Center, Vermillion, SD
2020 Scholastic Art Awards for South Dakota, Gallery 110, Vermillion, SD
Professional Organizations
Sony Professional Services, New York, NY
Chamber of Commerce, Vermillion, SD
American Society of Media Photographers
American Photographic Artists
National Press Photographers Association