Finland Cooperative Store completes new mural

Folks driving down the hill into Finland on Hwy 1 will notice a big change on the side of the Finland Co-op store – a new mural has been completed.

It’s 12 feet tall and 48 feet long, and features brightly colored scenes of nature and recreational activities from the area. The mural was painted by local artist Dale Knaffla Jr. and was made possible with financial help from the Northern Lake County Arts Board, the Silver Bay Area Tourism Association, Co-op Light and Power, Linville Doan, and various store patrons. There were many in-kind donations as well.

The Finland Cooperative Company is the oldest continually operating co-op in Minnesota. Started in 1913, the co-op is still member owned. The co-op’s board has been working to improve the store’s appearance for their centennial celebration coming up in 2013.