Wyland, Marine Life Artist and Founder
Renowned marine life artist Wyland changed the way people think about our ocean when he started painting life-size whales on the sides of buildings in the 1980s. Wyland always thought big. And he never stopped. In the over thirty years, he has continued to evolve and shape public attitudes about the need to protect marine eco-systems by calling attention to the plight of endangered species, but also focusing on threats to marine ecosystems resulting from land-based activities, including marine debris and polluted runoff
Marine Life Artist Wyland – Inspiring Global Conservation Through Art.
For over 40 years, artist Wyland and his monumental murals, known as the “Whaling Walls,” have redefined how we see and connect with our oceans. These works, covering buildings and structures across the globe, have captivated the imagination of millions, encouraging them to see the vital role we all play in preserving our blue planet. More than just public art, these murals serve as a reminder to communities everywhere about the importance of protecting our natural world.
Seeing Nature Not Just as It Is, But as It Can Be
Through the Wyland Foundation, founded in 1993, Wyland has taken this inspiration and built it into a global movement. The foundation’s mission is to foster a deeper connection to the environment by merging art, science, and conservation, and encouraging action for clean water and a healthier planet. Whether it’s through public art projects, environmental education, or hands-on science programs, the foundation has reached millions, from students to families, in an effort to secure a sustainable future for all.
Detroit to Laguna Beach
Wyland’s journey began at the ocean’s edge in Laguna Beach, California, when he first saw a mother gray whale and her calf in 1971. That moment inspired not only his art but his lifelong dedication to ocean conservation. From his first life-sized whale mural in 1981 to his founding of the Wyland Foundation, Wyland has always believed in the power of art to inspire action. Today, the foundation continues to build on that belief, working with partners like the US EPA and United Nations to drive initiatives that encourage people worldwide to become more positive, solution-oriented stewards of our oceans and protect our natural resources.
You Can Help Keep Our Ocean and Waterways Healthy and Flowing for Future Generations
Over thirty years ago, Wyland reignited the movement to protect our marine mammals and coasts with his lifesize series of monumental murals in over one hundred cities around the world. Today, his legacy has expanded with the work of the Wyland Foundation.
Today, our mission is to help people understand one simple truth: 80% of ocean pollution starts on land — often hundreds of miles away. Yet fewer than 1 in 10 Americans know how runoff from lawns, streets, and irrigation flows through storm drains and rivers, harming our coasts and marine life.
Through mobile science centers, custom classroom lessons, and city-wide challenges, we bring clean water education and action directly to schools, neighborhoods, and city halls. Because if we want to protect water quality and stop ocean pollution at the source - it starts with us.
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"Teachers inspired my love for our oceans and environment. Let's pay it forward to the next generation."
The Wyland Walls Around the World
Keeping our oceans front an center saves our planet.
One of the foundation’s most iconic initiatives is the Wyland Whaling Walls. These are large-scale public murals that depict various marine life, painted by Wyland himself. These murals are found on the sides of buildings such as skyscrapers and sports arenas around the world. The Whaling Walls serve as a visual reminder of the beauty of marine life and the importance of conservation. They have been instrumental in inspiring people globally to care for the environment (Wyland Foundation) (Wyland Foundation).
