After a call went out to artists earlier this year for the opportunity to paint a 2,508 square foot canvas on the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center’s north building façade, it was Winchester-based artist Sarah Gallahan who was selected by the Virginia Beach Arts committee to create the stunning new mural that now greets visitors from around the state and the world.
It took Gallahan what she describes as “12 days of perfect beach weather” and 100 hours of paint time in late September to complete the mural, which depicts three sea turtles swimming underwater, represents the guest experience at the Aquarium, the work of the Stranding Response Program and the Aquarium’s mission to protect endangered species and the marine environment.
