Community picks long-time civic leader for prominent public mural
The Sioux Falls Wall of Notability will grow next weekend when local artist Wyatt Dickson paints Kenny Anderson Sr. onto the mural at Sunny’s Pizzeria. The addition follows a public vote that selected Anderson from three civic figures nominated this year.
Anderson, remembered locally as the first African American member of the Sioux Falls City Commission, was the runaway favorite in the vote. Sunny’s owner Jon Oppold said the mural’s organizers intentionally nominated civic leaders this year after noticing that earlier additions had emphasized other types of local fame.
“As the first African American member of the City Commission, Kenny was a trailblazer in our community and someone who was universally well-liked by all who came into contact with him,”
Oppold noted that Anderson’s family remains active in city affairs: his son, Kenny Anderson Jr., has served as a city councilor and continues to be involved in civic life. Organizers plan a formal dedication later in the year after the painted portrait is complete.
Event details and what to expect
Artist Wyatt Dickson will add Anderson’s likeness on Saturday, July 18, as part of the 4th annual Bazaart Local Art Show, presented by Prints & Repeat. The painting is scheduled between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Sunny’s Pizzeria, where the mural currently anchors a wall of local notables.
- What: Painting of Kenny Anderson Sr. on the Wall of Notability
- When: Saturday, July 18, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Where: Sunny’s Pizzeria, during Bazaart Local Art Show
| Item | Info |
|---|---|
| Artist | Wyatt Dickson |
| Organizer | Sunny’s Pizzeria / Prints & Repeat |
| Dedication | Planned later this year |
The Wall of Notability began as a neighborhood art project and has become an annual tradition at Sunny’s. Oppold said the mural was originally conceived via a public contest in 2021 to celebrate people residents ‘‘will know off the top of their heads’’ — a mix of civic leaders, sports figures, media personalities and others with strong local ties. This year’s nominations included Anderson alongside Charlotte Carver and Wallace Dow, with Anderson emerging as the public’s top pick.
The decision to highlight a civic leader aligns with broader conversations in Sioux Falls about how public spaces reflect the city’s history and diversity. Adding Anderson’s image will not only refresh the mural visually but also expand the story the wall tells about who has shaped the city.
For residents planning to attend, the Bazaart event promises local artists, community activity and the chance to see the portrait take shape in real time. Organizers say a formal dedication ceremony will follow once the mural addition is complete and preparations are finalized.
