Pizza shop mural to feature local notable figures

Mr. Bendo, Captain 11, lawyer Scott Hoy and other notable figures in the story of Sioux Falls will live on through a new mural on a central neighborhood pizza shop.

Sunny’s Pizzeria at 26th Street and Walts Avenue began searching this summer for an artist to paint the building’s north wall. Wyatt Dickson won the contest with his concept “The Sioux Falls Wall of Notability.”

“Things change. Landscapes change. People change. But with a project like ‘The Sioux Falls Wall of Notability,’ these notable figures will live on long past the scope of their relevance. It’s a great thing for history, and it’s a great honor for the folks on that list,” Sunny’s said in a news release.

Here are the 21 initial figures on the wall.

1. Scott Hoy, attorney
2. Anne King, notable local figure
3. Donn Clenendon, professional athlete
4. January Jones, movie star
5. James Abourezk, lawmaker
6. Sanaa Abourezk, restaurateur
7. CJ Ham, professional athlete
8. Mr. Bendo, notable local figure
9. Stomp, local sports mascot
10. Mary Hart, national media figure
11. Joe Foss, war hero and former governor
12. Captain 11, local media figure
13. Pat O’Brien, national media figure
14. Blitz, local sports mascot
15. Statue of David, notable local figure
16. Ole, local sports mascot
17. Thunder, local sports mascot
18. Sunny, local restaurant magnate (the namesake French bulldog that is part of owners Jon and Katy Oppold’s family)
19. Wilbur, local restaurant mascot
20. Cooper, local sports mascot
21. Cagey, local sports mascot

The actual mural will include full body figures with props in their hands.

Sunny’s plans to add an inductee or two each year to the 12-by-20-foot mural with a ceremony to honor those who are added.

Painting is expected to be finished by the end of October. Sunny’s will host a celebration to honor the initial figures in early November.

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