Vibrant, family, quaint, friendly, welcoming.
Straight from the creative mind of Brookings resident Chuck Bennis, these words represent his perspectives on Brooking, the city he calls home.
Originally from Brandon, SD Bennis move to Brookings in 2014 to lead the Boys and Girls Club. When his life shifted into the next chapter of being a dad to two boys in 2026, his passion for art became more of a fouce. Since that time Bennis has painted his way around Brookings with his colorful murals in his signature style.
Many of Bennis’s artwork is found in Downtown Brookings. The murals each have a flair to highlight the local businesses and Bennis’s artistic style to connect with the community.
“The mural found on the back of Nick’s Hamburger Shop was homage to the iconic food served in this location for nearly 100 years,” Bennis said. A traditional Celtic knot in green represents the Irish heritage of Sully’s Pub. The mural on Lash Spa has a bold Polynesian floral feel using flowers native to the region like geraniums and marigolds.
Bennis says he worked hard to “win over my backyard first” developing his artistic style to connect with the local community.
In the fall of 2023 Bennis wrapped an electrical box on 8th Street South and Medary Avenue with a mural commemorating South Dakota State University alumni sponsored by the Brookings Public Arts Commission, the first of many to be featured around town.
Visitors can find more of Bennis’s work in the Brookings Public Library, Madison Avenue Dance Studio, Prairie Soul Yoga, Habitat for Humanity office, Willert Chiropractic, Quick Care, Pizza Ranch, the Boys and Girls Club and additional locations in Brookings.
*This story has been written in collaboration with South Dakota State University‘s Public Relations class for our 2024 Visitor Guide. Read the guide here.*
