Call for Artists

Tunnel Vision: Phase 3

Attention Flathead Valley, and beyond! Are you an artist or a team of artists interested in creating a mural to enhance the beauty of our local walkways?

Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana and KALICO Art Center are seeking three artists to create three murals on the entrances and interior walls of the "Lone Pine" tunnel, south of the Foys Lake interchange on the US-93 Bypass, along Kalispell’s shared-use trail system. Two selected artists will each receive a $1,800 award to create an original design for the entryways to the tunnels and one selected artist will receive a $5,000 award for the interior tunnel.

Selected artists will receive a paint stipend/credit at the assigned paint supplier, however artists are free to choose to order paint from other suppliers outside of the local store assigned. Paint will be ordered and picked up by the artist. Rails to Trails and KALICO will wash and prep surfaces for primer, however artists will be expected to apply primer. Primer will be provided by KALICO. Any specialty items such as ladders, scaffold, spray paint or spray equipment must be provided by the artist, however a variety of step ladders can be provided upon request. Completed murals will be professionally sprayed with an anti-graffiti coating by KALICO. Artists are encouraged but not required to utilize the support of community volunteers managed by KALICO, KALICO will provide a list of volunteers who participated in Phases 1 & 2 of Tunnel Vision. This project is funded by donations from local businesses and community members who collectively share a vision for caring for our local trails and supporting local artists.

*Award for tunnel entries $1800*

• Each wing spans 3’x12’ H x 23’ L, at 165 square feet for a total of approximately 330 square ft. Added to the top portion of 20 square feet makes the total square footage of each entrance approximately 350 sq ft.

*Award for interior tunnel $5000*

• Dimensions: 9’H 135’L 1215 sq feet per side - mural concepts must be design based (think line, shapes, color) and easily repairable by volunteers in the case of vandalism or tagging.

Murals enhance the spaces we all inhabit and create a sense of community pride and partnership. We are honored to invite local artists to elevate the aesthetic of mundane structures and initiate the connection between art and community. Together we can ensure that the natural beauty we are surrounded by is reflected in our ever-growing city and infrastructure. The sudden encounter with art in an otherwise, dark and drab tunnel can be the injection of hope that a passerby desperately needs. As an art center for all ages and abilities, we look forward to continuing to fill unexpected places with infusions of art and culture to remind us of the hope that is available to all of us.

This project is funded by donations from local businesses and community members who collectively share a vision for caring for our local trails and supporting local artists.