The Bunyan family photo stand-in panel, with face cutouts, at the US Army Corps of Engineers Crosslake Recreation Area (USACE) is getting washed, re-puttied and repainted this summer. Jean Suliin, is a self-taught painter who says painting for her is, “an opportunity to brighten up someone’s day.”
Jean and her husband are from Missouri now, but they have Minnesota roots, which is why they’re excited to be Park Hosts at the US Army Corps of Engineers Crosslake, MN Recreation Area this summer. Park Hosts volunteer 20-30 hours/wk in exchange for their campsite. Jean’s painting talent is part of an array of skills she is exchanging for her Park Host position.
Since June of 2011, the Bunyan family photo stand-in with face cutouts has been part of the Crosslake Campground’s play area. It’s a popular spot for the whole family to get that dandy vacation photo; Dad as Paul Bunyan, Mom as Lucette, and young ones as Paul, Jr. The wooden likenesses were designed and constructed for the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association in the spring of 2011 by the Pequot Lakes Art Club, overseen by the art teacher at the time, Dave Guenther.
Fast-forward to July, 2026, and a lot of wind, rain, hail, snow, sleet and all that Minnesota weather is famous for, has battered the Bunyan family images. Jean took one look at all that damage and knew she could put her skills to good use there. Through the USACE staff, she was connected to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association (PBSBA). It was a welcome connection since the Byway group was actively seeking some organization or someone to do this repair and repainting.
Besides the painting itself, Jean’s plans include sealing the panel back as well as the front with a polyurethane. She hopes to have the refurbished Bunyan panel back up and ready for photos by mid-August.
For more information about volunteering with the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association or the US Army Corps of Engineers, go to: https://paulbunyanscenicbyway.org/support/volunteer, https://www.volunteer.gov/s/
