Trail project expands to include community art

Last fall, Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana and the KALICO Art Center got up and running on a collaborative project to decorate the tunnels on the multi-use trail system around Kalispell.

After a few months of fundraising, Tunnel Vision 2021 has already exceeded its fundraising goal of $17,500. The funds will be used to pay professional artists to paint murals on the entries and exits of three pedestrians tunnels throughout the recreational trail system.

With the success of the initial fundraising efforts, Tunnel Vision 2021 is expanding to include not only the work of professional artists, but also contributions from members of the local community.

“We will be looking for individual volunteers and community groups – service clubs, youth groups, students, families, aspiring artists, just anyone who would like to grab a brush and help create community art,” said KALICO Founder and Chair Alisha Shilling in a press release. “No experience necessary – at KALICO, we believe art is in everyone!”

Tunnel Vision 2021 is currently soliciting proposals from Montana artists for the first two North Kalispell tunnels, one near Kidsports and Flathead Valley Community College, and another under the U.S. 93 bypass near Glacier High School.

Submissions are due by March 17.

Interested artists can get complete instructions at https://www.kalicoartcenter.com/tunnelvision.

Final selection and winning proposals will be announced in May 2021 with mural painting scheduled for late July. The third tunnel, south of the Foy’s Lake interchange, will be completed in summer 2022 due to the US 9.3. Bypass widening project.

“Support from local businesses and individuals has been outstanding,” Project Coordinator Kip Smith said in the press release. “Once again, the Kalispell community has stepped forward to ensure we continue to provide an exceptional experience on our shared-use trail system.”

Rails to Trails is now pursuing grant and additional community funding to help with the costs of the project expansion.

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