We're delighted to be working with nationally known muralist JoJo to bring art to seven tunnels along the Gateway Trail.

Not only will his works bring art to the trail, it also deters tagging and much of the less desirable graffiti we encounter on various surfaces each year.

JoJo was born in St. Paul. He spent his formative years in Southern California, where he was immersed in hip-hop culture during the 1980s. JoJo mastered the art of graffiti using pencil, pen, marker, and acrylic spray paint. In 1989, he returned to Minnesota, where he became a pioneer in the street art scene. His vibrant and creative work has graced over a thousand walls and freights across America. JoJo has also been a featured artist in over 100 books and magazines on the subject. He has been contracted by cities across Minnesota to transform bleak surfaces into bright, artistic, and welcoming features.

If you see JoJo at work, please be kind, his art is intentional. And as much as he loves to share the story of his art, please do not disturb him while working. His time is limited, and you can imagine how many of his work hours could be eaten up by conversations by our many trail users.

The GBCTA is assisting with material funds, and the murals are an artistic honorarium to Gateway founding member and trail champion, Noreen Farrell.