Inspired by a blank wall and a desire to showcase local art, Sunny’s Pizzeria’s “Wall of Notability” showcases 22 local celebrities, granting local fame to residents and inspiring the community around them. 

Two years ago, Sunny’s Pizzeria owner Jon Oppold decided he wanted to add a bit of spunk to his building. Oppold settled on the addition of a mural, having no real idea for what it should be of, apart from that he wanted it to have a bit of local flavor. He created a competition for local artists to submit their ideas, and after receiving more than 15 submissions, Oppold decided on artist Wyatt Dickson. Dickson’s idea centered on a mural which highlighted prominent figures in the Sioux Falls community. After being selected, Oppold and Dickson worked through which local celebrities should be on the mural together. The two considered individuals who would be a good representation of Sioux Falls, also factoring in elements of diversity, ensuring everyone was represented. The mural itself serves as a reflection of life in Sioux Falls, the people and the community.

“[The mural is] kind of the history of the town, or maybe folklore of different characters, and kind of [demonstrates] a universal experience about what it’s like to live in Sioux Falls,” said Dickson. 

The mural encourages community relations, bringing people together over shared interest in artwork and the unique concept of local celebrities. 

“The pizza place has been sort of a community hub, and the mural has been something that kind of adds to the area, brightens it up,” said Dickson.

Oppold originally opened the pizza place with the goal of uniting people over one of the most popular comfort foods, and the mural continues to uphold that unifying aspect.

“We created this place as a community gathering place: it’s in a neighborhood, it’s in between two colleges. I think the mural is just kind of a further extension of that,” said Oppold.

The mural offers an opportunity to expose the lesser known aspects of Sioux Falls that make the city what it is. Showing off influential individuals local to the city, visitors and community members alike are able to gain a clearer picture of what Sioux Falls is all about.

“The other fun part is getting to share Sioux Falls with people that aren’t familiar,” said Oppold.

Every year, a new member will be inducted into the mural. Oppold and Dickson have a process by which they decide on the new member, and once they decide, Dickson paints the most recent celebrity onto the wall. 

“I feel like it’s kind of the mural that keeps on giving: it’s fun and every year we have an event that people can come to,” said Oppold.

Originally painted with 21 showcased individuals last year, the mural completed its first annual induction this September. The 22nd member of the “Wall of Notability,” Chief Meteorologist at Dakota News Now Phil Schreck is the first and most recent celebrity to be inducted into the mural. 

“I just loved the concept of being immortalized on a mural, so it’s great,” said Phil Schreck.

After being a weatherman for 35 years, Phil Schreck has made innumerable connections and become known for his sociability, which is reflected on his picture on the mural. 

“I’m kind of like [the depiction on the mural], just smiling and happy, a good guy to be around,” said Phil Schreck.

Phil Schreck’s son, LHS senior Lucas Schreck is more familiar with a side of his dad that is not showcased when he’s giving weather reports.

“He’s so put together on the news, and at home he’s just the goofiest guy, and hilarious. I’m really lucky that I have him, and such a good relationship with him,” said Lucas Schreck.

Lucas Schreck is inspired by his dad’s passion for his job, and his ability to forge important relationships and connections in a community that he is now a local celebrity of.

“I think about how [the mural is] going to be there for so long, and I’ll get to tell my kids about it… this kind of puts into perspective that he is actually known. It makes me want to make an impact and do the same…maybe one day I’ll be on there next to him,” said Lucas Schreck. 

This story was originally published on The Statesman on October 11, 2023.