The grounds at Dolphin Research Center (DRC) just got a little more colorful. Thanks to a donation from a DRC supporter, artist Paul Hughes recently painted a unique dolphin mural at Dolphin Research Center.
This painting is a special tribute to one of DRC’s founding dolphins, Theresa. Paul worked closely with Mandy Rodriguez, DRC’s co-founder and COO, to capture Theresa’s likeness and “dolphinality.”
Theresa was originally a Navy dolphin in the 1960s and retired at DRC. She was known for her huge personality. Her nickname was “Hot Lips” for her habit of sneaking up and kissing people, especially men with facial hair. She loved working with her trainers, and always seemed to be the one training them.
Theresa was playful, but also a responsible adult in a lagoon full of younger dolphins. A liberal mother to her daughter Santini, she had fabulous maternal skills and instincts, whether it was from child rearing or babysitting her eventual grandson, Tanner.
The Dolphin Research Center family and members enjoy seeing Theresa’s face again as they stroll around the facility. Theresa brought joy and taught so many and is still held closely in our hearts.
Hughes is a multidisciplinary visual artist and early pioneer of the Wynwood graffiti and mural scene in Miami. He is known for spray-painted realism and technical spray can skill. His current practice is shared between creating investment-grade art and doing large-scale public and commercial murals.
