New Murals from Shedd Aquarium Celebrate Aquatic Life Just in Time for National Ocean Month

CHICAGO – Chicagoans and tourists alike can now see sturgeons, turtles and rays while driving on the Kennedy Expressway, thanks to new murals from Shedd Aquarium. The murals, newly installed on the Wintrust Financial Corporation Mural Building, celebrate water in all its forms and are meant to inspire aquatic conservation just in time for National Ocean Month and World Oceans Day on June 8.

Called “A WaterShedd Moment,” the three-panel mural highlights three different types of aquatic ecosystems, the animals that live there and the various ways that people interact with and rely on water. The project is meant to underscore how all water is interconnected, and how all waterways benefit from collective action and stewardship.

• Restoring Rivers highlights freshwater turtles, fish and birds as well as kayakers who might be out on the river participating in Shedd’s Kayak for Conservation program
• Preserving Lakes spotlights the ancient, native lake sturgeon, with Shedd Aquarium and the iconic Chicago skyline in the background – recognizing our position on Lake Michigan.
• Protecting Oceans features a vibrant coral reef ecosystem, including a gliding cownose ray, with a small sailboat on the water’s surface.

As the summer season begins, and people seek out water to celebrate, rejuvenate and recreate, Shedd Aquarium hopes the murals motivate the public to protect water and aquatic environments while they enjoy them.

The aquarium worked with marine artist, Chris Barela, on the designs of the murals. Wintrust installed the murals on Friday, May 23 and they are expected to be up for about a month.

Anyone interested in learning more about how they can get involved in aquatic conservation can learn more by visiting Shedd Aquarium’s Take Action for Animals page and selecting the option that is right for them.

VISUALS: Find photos of the murals and the mural artwork itself available here:

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Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez