Linley is excited about Wyland's decision to paint one of his famous Whaling Walls at the park's Visitor Center. This is a world-class artist and the park is honored that he has selected our community for one of his famous mural creations.

Shearin, who is a long-time admirer and enthusiastic collector of Wyland's work has been communicating with the artist and his representatives for several years and is elated that the artist has agreed to paint the mural. This is the equivalent of a million-dollar donation to this park and this community, and adds that, It is not at all unusual for people to come from all over the world to watch Wyland paint one of his Whaling Walls. In 1998 Wyland visited the wildlife park to photograph manatees in the natural spring as reference for his art works. He fell in love with the manatees and the park during his visit.

The Homosassa Springs mural which will be 400 square feet, will feature Florida's endangered manatees and is the 86th in a series of 100 Whaling Walls that the artist has committed to paint around the world to bring attention to the need for marine conservation. Wyland's murals have been created around the world and all have become nationally treasured landmarks.

The 44-year-old artist who has been painting since his childhood, has galleries in Hawaii, California and Florida, has several books on his art published and has his own website.