| By Al Stilley - Editor Patrons from near and far who dine at Denny’s at East Main Street and I-65 in Greenwood are in for a pleasant surprise when their server is Brian Pettingill. Like all dutiful servers, he will politely serve beverages, take your food order, serve meals and desserts. Pettingill adds something special on the backside of the receipt that he hands to patrons though. The well-known Irvington area artist and former Southsider draws doodle art. It could be popular cartoon characters, cartoon heroes, vehicles, or anything else. “The first thing they ask me is did I draw that,” the 10-year Denny’s server said. “I usually draw off the impression I have of the people I serve. We get a lot of car people in here, so I draw a lot of muscle cars and low riders. Really, it could be anything.” For example, after being served by Pettingill, his doodle art depicts the late Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Bart Simpson, a NASCAR stock car, and an Indy car. He draws his “receipt art” out of sight of patrons, so they are truly surprised when they receive their receipt that they can keep. Pettingill’s doodle art is just the tip of the iceberg of the pen or brush of his artistic talents. His doodle art was featured on WTHR in September 2024. Although his full time job is a server at Denny’s, the variety of his artworks is unique. Pettingill has a studio in his home near historic Irvington. His variety includes abstract art, acrylics, charcoal, jewelry, and unique wall art made from a variety of items. He has painted basketball shoes and a handmade crucifix made of metal, seashells, wood, and beach glass. “I enjoy putting things together and painting unique pieces,” he said. “I don’t throw anything away. I’m always creating something different, art, my way.” Pettingill does not do any gallery shows and does not chase awards. His works may be found at various businesses on the east side, including Jockamo Pizza on East Washington Street where his framed abstract art of Jerry Garcia sold within just a few days. Pettingill began drawing as a youngster and accompanied his mom who sold jewelry at fairs or festivals where he did face paintings as a teen artist. He is a graduate of Lutheran High School and lived on the Southside for several years. He studied art at Herron School of Art and Design, Indiana Business College, and kitchen management at the J. Everett Light Center. He was a longtime general manager at Noble Roman’s in Beech Grove until it closed and he later was hired as a server at Denny’s. Pettingill thoroughly enjoys fishing in Indiana and especially at Eagle River, Wisconsin where he won a muskie fishing tournament in 2011 with a 49 ¼ inch, 40-pound catch. He returned from Eagle River a few weeks ago after a vacation but fished mostly for pike. Talking about his experiences at Denny’s, Pettingill said, “I enjoy the people here. We get a lot of travelers and have plenty of regulars. I’m grateful for all our customers.” For info about his art works, call 317-496-5033. |  Doodle artist Brian Pettingill provides a bonus for diners on the back of their receipts at Denny’s near I-65 and East Main Street in Greenwood. (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)  Samples of Brian Pettingill’s artwork on Denny’s receipts features, clockwise, top to bottom, Elvis Presley, an Indy car, Dolly Parton, Bart Simpson, and a NASCAR stock car. |
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Patriotism lives with dedication of Veterans Memorial Plaza on Beech Grove High School campus9/2/2026  Dignitaries standing behind the veterans memorial plaque are, from left, BG Schools Supt. Laura Hammack, Lt. Col. M. Amy Hoover, Madison West, Brian Garman, Janis King, Brian Downard, Jill Laker, Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman, April Rinks, and Tara Wolf. (SUBMITTED PHOTOS) By Al Stilley Editor More than 100 patrons and special guests joined in the dedication ceremony of the Veterans Memorial Plaza recently at the entrance to Beech Grove High School’s Everwise Veterans Memorial Stadium. Significantly dedicated during our USA’s 250th celebration as a free nation, the memorial plaza features American and military flags. A memorial plaque also was unveiled in front of distinguished guests, attendees, and members of the BGHS band and JROTC. Many early fans of BGHS’ first home game of the 2026 football season paused for the ceremony on their way into the stadium. “This memorial has been established to honor the men and women who have served in defense of our nation—those who answered the call to duty in times of peace and in times of conflict,” stated U.S. Army Sgt. Major (ret.) James Thornberry who supervises the BGHS JROTC. “It stands as a lasting tribute to their courage, their selfless service, and their unwavering commitment to something greater than themselves. “It also serves as a reminder to future generations of the sacrifices made to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today—and of the responsibility we all share to protect and uphold the values these courageous individuals defended. “May every student who passes this memorial understand that freedom is not merely inherited. It is preserved through courage, strengthened through service, and entrusted to each new generation.” The dedication ceremony opened with the posting of the colors by the BGHS JROTC Color Guard, the placing of a memorial wreath by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the National Anthem performed by BGHS soloist Rose Shomali and invocation by Pastor Dan Bailey. Veteran and Beech Grove City Councilman Mike Earnest recognized military veterans in attendance. BGHS Alumni Association president David Wright explained the organization’s support of the Veterans Memorial Plaza. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Amy Hoover, Indiana National Guard public affairs director and commander of the 776th Brigade Engineer Battalion, was the featured speaker. Lt. Col. Hoover, a Purdue University graduate, served during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as a horizontal engineer platoon leader on several construction projects. Beech Grove Schools Supt. Laura Hammack provided the welcome to attendees and stated, “A memorial such as this is built of brick, stone, and metal—but its true meaning comes from the lives and sacrifices it represents. It tells every veteran who enters this stadium that we see you, we remember you, and we are grateful to you. “It also carries an important message for our students. Education is not only about preparing young people for careers or further study. It is also about preparing them to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who understand that freedom carries both privileges and responsibilities.” The BGHS band performed “America the Beautiful” before the memorial plaque was formally unveiled by school board president Janis King. The plaque reads: “Dedicated to the countless men and women of the Beech Grove Community who, through bravery and sacrifice, have defended the Constitution of the United States of America and protected the people and property of this great nation. Your devotion and heroism will forever remain in our hearts and in our prayers. We humbly thank all who have served and those who continue to serve in defense of our freedom.” The ceremony on August 21 concluded with the benediction by Pastor Bailey and retiring of the colors by the BGHS JROTC.  Serving as master of ceremonies, U.S. Army Sgt. Major (ret.) James Thornberry salutes during dedication ceremony.  |
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