One of Marathon’s most iconic art pieces was treated to a facelift on March 2 as world-renowned artist and conservationist Wyland returned to the Kmart plaza to touch up “Whaling Wall #87 – Florida’s Radiant Reef,” originally painted with Guy Harvey in 2001.
With equipment donated by Sunbelt Rentals, paint donated by Sherwin Wiliams, and booths from Dolphin Research Center, the Turtle Hospital and Save the Turtles to tackle conservation education for visitors, Wyland worked for the majority of the day. On the to-do list: reinvigorating the mural’s major aspects, adding a few new elements – including an octopus – to the aquatic scene, and protecting the mural with a new clear coating.
Pausing often to converse and take pictures with dignitaries, old friends and public onlookers, the painter thanked the community for their support before eventually moving on to Key West for another mural restoration.
“This mural is actually in great shape,” he said. “There were so many people here waiting for me, and I’m really honored to do this. The amount of support is tremendous.”
