Share a little about your arts background.
I was always a creative kid, drawing or doing crafts, and then in high school my most practiced art form was dance. I have a degree in art education and first learned to paint in university art classes. Following university, I taught elementary art for four years.
What attracts you to murals?
I love the BIG canvas. Of course, murals are often shared with a wide audience, having the ability to really draw people into conversation or deep emotion.
When did you first start doing murals?
I started painting murals in February 2023, after noticing a regional artist was in my town and asking to shadow her. She stuck a paintbrush in my hand and I was in awe.
What has your experience been like with NWA's public art environment, specifically with incorporating murals?
The work I put into making myself visible to the people I want to work with is only half of obtaining a job. Those people also have to value art, trust the artist, and the timing has to be right. NWA is full of opportunity, and I’ve seen people coming together to learn how to support artists.
If someone were interested in hiring a muralist for a wall in their home or business, what makes you the right fit?
I don’t have a niche, something I used to worry about, but now take pride in. While I have subjects I enjoy painting more than others – aviation, biking, and medicine – I can paint almost anything, making me able to work with a lot of people. I want to collaborate with my clients to bring them art better than they imagined.
What are your mural goals as a Bentonville-based artist?
I hope to eventually produce a very public-facing mural downtown, to execute a mural tall enough that I have to use a lift, and to have a work that’s part of the OZ Art collection. I also love working with the Urban Land Institute network and hope our relationship brings me more walls to paint.
Why do you think it’s important for businesses to invest in murals and incorporate art into the workplace?
I think of murals as a need, not a want. Visual art truly brings meaning to places. Not only that, but I believe that, in the workplace, people are motivated to accomplish more when their space is beautiful, meaningful, and cohesive.
How do you feel murals elevate a community?
Murals give communities something to talk about and to take pride in.
What are your favorite types of walls to paint, and how long do they last?
I’ve painted on almost every surface – even campers – but I just like a smooth surface. I use high-quality paints, allowing my works to last years without needing maintenance.
Brooke Sneed
Brooke Sneed is a Bentonville-based muralist. She has painted thousands of square feet of indoor and outdoor wall space in Northwest Arkansas. Some of her recent work includes a holiday mural at Motto Hotel and multiple murals at Bentonville's Blume Building.CONTACT:
BrookeSneedArt.com
BrookeSneedArt@gmail.com
IG: @MrsBrookeSneed
"Murals give communities something to talk about and to take pride in."
"I think of murals as a need, not a want."