(10/26/2023) While taking classes at the Rum River Art Center in Anoka, Andover High School freshman Rachel Kroona was presented with a unique opportunity. She and around 10 other artists were commissioned to repaint the Mainstreet tunnel and after a year’s worth of work, the tunnel was completed with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 21. 

In May of 2023, a fresh coat of paint was applied to the tunnel and artists began sections of the now-finished mural, including Kroona who set out to create a few interactive pieces of work. 

“We really wanted to represent Native American history in Anoka,” Kroona said. “Water was a really big part of the project, too, and we wanted to capture that.”

You can find two pieces of Kroona’s art in the tunnel, both of which were designed with the community and pedestrians in mind. 

As you enter the tunnel it starts out with beautiful pieces of nature, including animals, trees, flowers, and water representing spring, summer and fall. As you make your way to the end, it morphs into a spooky Halloween scene, paying homage to the city’s title as the Halloween Capital of the World. Learn more about the project.

With visitors in mind, Kroona painted a colorful dragonfly to represent something born on the waters of Anoka and the wings of a bat on the spooky side, both of which make great backdrops for a selfie or photo. 

“I wanted both of my projects to be interactive pieces so people could stand in front of them and take a picture. Cute, right?” Kroona said.

Kroona was the youngest artist to have their artwork featured in the Mainstreet tunnel, an opportunity the freshman appreciated and learned from. 

“I was able to work with all of these really talented adult artists,” Kroona said. “I feel super honored. I hope I have the opportunity to do this again.”

Her biggest takeaway was, “Take chances,” Kroona said. “I was really nervous when I started, especially working with talented professional artists. Do it, because you never know when you’re going to get that chance.”