CLEVELAND — Cleveland's iconic 'whale wall' mural on the Cleveland Public Power building is getting refreshed this week.
The city has announced that internationally renowned artist and conservationist Wyland is back in town this week to paint and restore the 22-year-old mural, titled "Song of the Whales."
RELATED: Artist behind iconic Cleveland whale mural to restore artwork on Cleveland Public Power plant
Drivers on I-90 are all too familiar with the giant whale mural painted on the side of the Cleveland Public Power plant. To some, it may seem a little strange and out of place along the shores of Lake Erie, but its message remains important.
"The idea was, to protect our oceans, we need to protect our rivers, lakes and streams," Wyland said of his Cleveland mural, one of the 100 life-size marine life murals created in a 30-year span in 17 countries as part of the Wyland Whaling Wall project, one of the world’s largest public art projects.
The city says the public is encouraged to come out and meet Wyland, who is scheduled to begin painting on Wednesday. A rededication ceremony is set for Friday, October 4 at 5:00 p.m.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of 1969 Cuyahoga River fire,” said Wyland Foundation president Steve Creech. “The Wyland murals have always been intended to raise awareness about clean water and healthy oceans, so we couldn’t think of a better time to restore the mural than this year.”
The Wyland Foundation is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events.
