Tunnel Vision Project paints Lone Pine tunnel

KALICO Art Center and Rails to Trails have initiated Phase 3 of their Tunnel Vision Project. This phase will enhance the entrances and interior walls of the "Lone Pine" tunnel, south of the Foys Lake interchange on the U.S. 93 Bypass, along Kalispell’s shared-use trail system. Painting is taking place the week through July 16.

The painting is being done by three talented artists from the Montana community. Thomas Valencia is painting the entire interior tunnel, while artists Jessy Hanson and Stella Nall are painting the entrance wings. Although the tunnels are closed for pedestrians and cyclists during the painting, everyone is encouraged to stop by and check out the progress on this new community street art project.

Valencia attended both elementary and high school in the Flathead Valley. People may recognize Valencia’s work from the community mural he

completed on Center Street near the silos in Kalispell.

A local artist, people may be familiar with Hanson’s work from the mural inside of the new Hokkaido Ramen Restaurant and from one of the traffic signal boxes, located in Depot Park in Kalispell.

Stella Nall, a first descendant of the Apsáalooke tribe, was born and raised in Bozeman and currently resides in Missoula. The community can view her work around Missoula, from a mural for the Mountain Line Transfer Station to designs at the Missoula Public Library.