In 2024, the Northern Lakes Arts Association launched the Ely Mural Project with a commitment to bring at least five new murals to Ely over the next five years.
Building on the artistic legacy of Greenstone Arts, this initiative transforms public spaces into lasting works of art that reflect the stories, history, landscapes, and people of Ely, Minnesota. Each mural is designed to celebrate community identity while making the arts more visible and accessible throughout the city.
The first mural in this initiative will be created at Ely Memorial High School, marking the beginning of a long-term investment in public art across Ely.
The Ely Mural Project invites artists, community members, businesses, and supporters to help shape this growing collection of public artwork and continue building a vibrant arts culture in Ely.
Interested in pairing a mural in Ely? Fill out the form below.
Mural Created by Dafne Caruso with the ISD 69's Middle School Students.
Partially funded by the Donald G. Gardner Humanites Trust
Love All Your Neighbors
by Ginger Rae and Jacklyn Janeskela
Medium:Acrylic Paint on Brick.
Year: 2025
Location: Ely Community Center, 27 S 1st Ave E, Ely, Mn 55731
This mural is a collaboration between the Ely Community Center and NLAA's Ely Mural Project.
Unkindness
by Shaun Chosa
Medium:Acrylic Paint on Wood Vener Panels
Dimensions: 8' x 40'
Year: 2024
Location: 230 East Sheridan Street, Ely, Mn 55731
"Ravens are heavily represented in Indigenous and Nordic Culture,
which are reflected in my majority bloodlines. Locally, ravens are
omnipresent in the community. Intelligent and observant,
ravens are tied into messages, and thus messengers, and
often regarded as go-betweens, between worlds, ethereal and otherwise.
In nature, well expressed locally, ravens are in cahoots with the wolves
and have symbiotic survival partnerships regarding food sharing, etc.
Wolves and raven also reportedly mate for life. Thus reflecting a
the community at large." - Shaun Chosa
This mural was partially funded by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council andEly Lakes & Pines Real Estate
Middle School Mural #2
by Ely Memorial Middle Schoolers
Facilitated by Dafne Caruso
Medium:Acrylic Paint on Wood Vener Panels
Dimensions: 8' x 8'
Year: 2024
Location: 600 East Harvey Street, Ely, Mn 55731
This mural was partially funded by the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust
Middle School Mural #2
by Ely Memorial Middle Schoolers
Facilitated by Ian Francis Lah
Medium:Acrylic Paint on Wood Vener Panels
Dimensions: 8' x 8'
Year: 2024
Location: 600 East Harvey Street, Ely, Mn 55731
This mural was partially funded by the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust
Elevate Ely: Invest in Public Art and Enrich Our Community
Support the Ely Mural Project and help us bring stunning, high-quality public art to our beloved town. Your donation is not just a contribution—it's an investment in the future of Ely and the vibrant arts culture that makes our community unique. By supporting this project, you're helping to uplift local artists and create beautiful, lasting murals that tell the story of Ely for generations to come.
Join us in this journey to make a lasting impact on our town's visual landscape and foster a deeper connection to the arts. Click the button below to donate and be a part of this transformative experience. Thank you for your unwavering support!