Students, Dakota County leaders and others were on hand Friday, Oct. 7 for the unveiling of a public art project in West St. Paul.
The Charlton Street underpass is adorned with colorful depictions of outdoor settings painted by Garlough Environmental Magnet Elementary School students and educational artists. The tunnel connects the school with Dodge Nature Center along Dakota County's River to River Greenway.
Garlough school leaders approached Dakota County Parks with the concept of beautifying the tunnel by making students' outdoor experiences at Dodge Nature Center come to life on the tunnel walls. Artists Meg Erke and Megan Moore were chosen to assist students in painting the mural.
“It was such a great idea," Dakota County Commissioner Liz Workman said. “The school — and all of the students — have been wonderful, involved partners. You care about this, and it shows."
The county and school partnered with the Dakota County Public Art Citizen Advisory Committee on the project. The tunnel is a 95-foot-long bow arch-style underpass that was constructed to complete the greenway experience and to provide safe passage for students' frequent visits to Dodge Nature Center.
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