The Bismarck Riverfront Trail is a popular outdoor destination for many North Dakotans, where they can take in the sights and sounds of the beautiful landscape. However, some say there is one eyesore along that path — the Bismarck Expressway Pedestrian Tunnel. But the community is looking to make every part of the trail (tunnel included) a little more beautiful.

New NDDOT Director Ron Henke and NDCA Executive Director Kim Konikow met to discuss more ideas on how to incorporate art in public locations, such as highway rest stops. Being familiar with Nicole Gagner's colorful "tiny houses," Konikow wondered how one would look on a much larger scale. After an excited conversation, plans were made to install a "Big House" at the I94 eastbound rest area located on the west side of Jamestown.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Nicole Gagner brought colorful designs to one structure in Kiwanis Park. Now she’s back with a different interactive mural.

She started the outline last week after the Go-Bismarck-Mandan Coalition green-lit another project. Once the mural opens, each Saturday, chalk will be available for others to create their own artwork.

To adapt to the coronavirus outbreak, Bismarck artist Nicole Gagner is teaching online workshops with artists from across the country.  

Painter Nicole is featured in the cover story of North Dakota Living Magazine  

Painter Nicole Etsy site featured on North Dakota Tourism website  

August 2017 Nicole was the Aritst in Residence at the Von Hoffman house in Medora, North Dakota.  

Nicole has been the artist in residence at two of North Dakota's beautiful State Parks- Turtle River State Park in 2016 and Lewis and Clark State Park in 2017.  

Nicole was the Artist in Residence in the Jamestown, ND schools with support from the Jamestown Arts Center and the North Dakota Council on the arts in January 2016 and will be again in November 2017.