Artists selected for tunnel murals in Kalispell

BRET ANNE SERBIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 7 months AGO

This rendering shows the proposed mural "Lost Children," by John Pepion and Louis Still Smoking of Valier, part of the Tunnel Vision 2021 mural project in downtown Kalispell organized by Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana and the KALICO Art Center.

"Colorful Characters" by Kristy Overman of Whitefish.

"Montana Huckleberries" by Madison Apple of Kalispell.

"Tunnel of Tunnels" by Sarah and Grace Washko of Bozeman.

KALICO Art Center and Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana have announced their selection of professional artists to paint murals on the multiuse path in North Kalispell.

As part of the Tunnel Vision 2021 project, artists will paint four locally themed murals on the entrances to the pedestrian tunnels near Kidsports and Flathead Valley Community College, and at “Glacier High” underneath the U.S. 93 bypass behind the My Place Hotel.

KALICO received 60 proposals for artwork from artists around the state. A jury of nine community members reviewed the selection of submittals.

“The quality of proposals received was outstanding and the selection process was challenging, but rewarding,” said Alisha Shilling, chairperson and founder of KALICO.

Selected artists include twin sisters Sarah and Grace Washko from Bozeman for their work “Tunnel of Tunnels”; Madison Apple of Kalispell for his work “Montana Huckleberries”; John Pepion and Louis Still Smoking of Valier for their work “Lost Children”, a Blackfeet star story; and Kristy Overman of Whitefish for “Colorful Characters.”

All of the selected artists are experienced muralists with a broad range of abilities and interests.

Painting will take place July 21-28.

“We are thrilled to bring this new community art to the Flathead Valley and look forward to the public coming by to watch these murals evolve,” Project Coordinator Kip Smith said.

KALICO and Rails to Trails continue to develop Phase 2 of the Tunnel Vision 2021 project to include “community-generated” murals on the interior tunnel walls. This expansion will give interested community members the opportunity to actually participate in painting attractive designs under the guidance of a professional mural artist. Stay tuned for more information on how you can sign up as a volunteer to grab a brush or roller and help create street art.

Rails to Trails is continuing to pursue funding to cover the costs for this mural project expansion.

For more information or to contribute to Tunnel Vision 2021, go to www.railstotrailsofnwmt.com or contact Kip Smith at 406-871-6139 or kipmansmith@gmail.com.