For Chuck Bennis, a hobby turned into a legitimate business.
“Whether it’s illustrations or large scale work, it’s about making that connection,” said Bennis, who resides in Brookings.
The popular South Dakota artist specializes in digital illustrations and caricatures, but is widely known for his mural work—many in notable locations like all three stairwells in the Washington Pavilion Kirby Science Discovery Center in Sioux Falls.
When talking with Bennis, his passion for restoration is prominent.
“I’m a real lover of the restoration project process—making something that was otherwise dingy, forgotten, and old into something fresh, new, and a focal point,” he said. “A neglected dirty wall or unassuming alley that no one can either avoid or isn’t a highlight is eye catching to me.”
Bennis says adding some art, creativity, and interest to something in a short period of time can totally transform it into a unique and beautiful thing. It also can create local comradery.
“Any public art brings communities together,” he stated. “I love history and telling the past of whatever speaks—whether it’s the history, town, or backstory of the spot, person, or something.”
“By square footage, I’m the most prolific artist at the Washington Pavilion.”
Chuck Bennis
Originally from Brandon, Bennis and his family moved to Brookings in 2014 after much debate. Their decision came from a mix of the small town feel, their love of South Dakota State University, and the town’s support for the arts.
One of Bennis’s favorite murals is a piece downtown by Nick’s Hamburger Shop. The hot spot to grab a burger and shake has been around since 1929, and the muralist wanted to commemorate the historical landmark on the corner of Main Avenue and 5th Street.
“Hamburgers have been sold in that spot for almost 100 years—it’s a really important place to Brookings,” said Bennis. “The alley lent itself as a site for people to take a picture and to highlight Nick’s. It’s also a silly, huge hamburger, so it’s just fun.”
Find out more about Bennis Art Studios and why he loves art and his community.
A lot of my pieces are…
in the region around Brookings and Sioux Falls. I love requests from organizations that benefit the community. It brings me joy that nearly every place my kids frequent either has a Bennis mural or can get one (church, school, Boys & Girls Club, the library, daycare etc.). Anyone can request one!
DID YOU KNOW?
Many of Bennis’s pieces have his children’s names hidden in them, like the mural inside of the Brookings Public Library.
My favorite murals are…
representative of a town. Recently, I’ve done some large scale work in Castlewood and New Ulm, MN. I would go through and learn all kinds of details about the town and figure out what to highlight. In Castlewood, it was the building that was one of the first buildings in the town and was built by the very first mayor, so I highlighted him with an homage to his fancy car. The pride they have is unbelievable in that piece and in their town.
I am currently working on…
a piece for Shorty’s Burgers & Brew. It’s a long-time favorite, family-owned food truck in Brookings that’s opening their first brick and mortar store in a brand new building on 6th Street.
“The Brookings Summer Arts Festival is something I’ve gone to since I was an itty bitty little kid.”
Chuck Bennis
One of my favorite places to eat in Brookings…
is Taquería El Jarocho. If you haven’t had a Quesabirria, get one now! It’s a warm crispy, cheesy, gooey, soft, meaty, flavorful, and delectable pocket. I’m drooling while talking about this. And they are the recipient of the latest Bennis mural that highlights their Mexican and Venezuelan heritage.
A perfect day in Brookings is…
spending it with my wife and two boys—hitting up the Farmers’ Market in the morning, kayaking at Dakota Nature Park in the afternoon, and then cruising the old truck to the Old Souls Car Club meetup at Pioneer Park.
FOLLOW BENNIS
Instagram | @bennisartstudios
Facebook | Bennis Art Studios
Whenever we have out-of-town friends visit, we…
show them The Prairie is My Garden by Harvey Dunn at the South Dakota Art Museum, take them to the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, and then we all climb the 180 steps to the top of the Coughlin Campanile.
Advice I have for someone who wants to create art for a career is…
be really good at what you do and be well liked. Do these two things and you’ll be successful; you cannot fail. And a quote that I’ve found to help me in all my careers, including art, is: “Work to learn and you will always earn.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BENNISARTSTUDIOS@GMAIL.COM+
