Artist Wyland Brings World's Largest Ongoing Art-in-Public-Places Project to Florida State Park; New Mural to Benefit Endangered West Indian Manatees.

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HOMOSASSA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2000

Acclaimed environmental artist Wyland will paint his next life-size marine life mural Oct. 20-23 at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park in Homosassa Springs, to raise awareness about the shrinking West Indian manatee populations along the Florida coast.

Manatees are large seal-like marine mammals that, according to legend, were often mistaken for mermaids by sailors. In recent years, their populations have dwindled as a result of pollution, disease, poaching, loss of habitat, entanglement with fishing lines, and collisions with recreational boaters. Cases have even been recorded of tourists roping them and carving initials into the algae on their backs.

"These are among the most gentle marine mammals in the ocean," said Wyland, who will paint the 55-foot-long mural on the side of the park visitors center. "If they disappear, we will have lost one of the world's legendary creatures. This mural is our way of spreading the word that these animals need to be respected and protected." Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park is one of the only facilities in the world that treats and rehabilitates orphaned or injured manatees for eventual release back into the wild. Currently, there are only 2,400 West Indian manatees left in the United States.

Since 1981, Wyland has embarked on one of the world's largest ongoing art-in-public-places projects to draw attention to the plight of threatened or endangered marine animals. When finished, the project will comprise 100 monumental murals around the world. Currently, 85 Wyland monumental murals can be seen throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Japan.

The murals are made possible through the Wyland Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that develops and supports educational programs for youth, funding art and science research scholarships for less privileged children. There is no cost to the building owner for the mural projects. Wyland's time is donated, and all expenses are funded with support from local and national sponsors. Wyland Wall 86 at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park will be underwritten by SunTrust Bank, Nature Coast, which is part of SunTrust Banks Inc., an Atlanta-based super regional bank holding company operating in six states, including Florida.

Internationally acclaimed Jamaican-born artist Guy Harvey will join Wyland as guest artist. An opening ceremony is scheduled at the mural site for 11 am Friday, Oct. 20. The dedication of Wall 86, entitled "Manatee Sanctuary," will be held at noon Monday, Oct. 23.

"This is the equivalent of a million-dollar donation to this park and this community," said Larry Shearin, president of the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, one of the largest citizen state park support organizations in Florida. "It's not at all unusual for people to come from all over the world to watch Wyland paint his Whaling Walls."

The public is invited to attend this free four-day event at the park visitors center. The Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park is located at 4150 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, Fla., two hours north of Tampa. Recorded park information 352/628-2311. Park admission is $7.95 for adults (13 and over); children $4.95 (3-12); 3 and under are free. Park is open 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, seven days a week. (Group rates are available.)

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