Over 300-foot-long #SharkWall to feature aquatic marine life

NEWPORT, Ky. – A 35-foot-long sand tiger shark is coming to Newport Aquarium this summer.

The massive ragged-toothed shark will be the cornerstone of an aquatic-marine-life-themed mural to be displayed on the Newport Aquarium exterior wall facing the Ohio River in celebration of the aquarium’s 15-year anniversary.

The #SharkWall will be produced by ArtWorks as part of the Cincinnati-based nonprofit’s 2014 Public Art campaign.

“Partnering with ArtWorks for this project provides a great opportunity for local youths in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities to showcase their artistic talents while developing their professional and life skills,” said Newport Aquarium VP/Executive Director Eric Rose. “The SharkWall is another example of Newport Aquarium’s continuous efforts to engage the community and we believe it will spark interest in marine aquatic life and conservation.”

With heights up to 35 feet and spanning more than 300 feet in length, the #SharkWall is ArtWorks’ longest mural project in the organization’s history.

The #SharkWall was designed by professional artist and Cincinnati native Roz Tallmadge, a 2006 graduate of Walnut Hills High School and former ArtWorks artist apprentice. Tallmadge will oversee a team of 10 local student artist apprentices that will work on the mural over a 10-week span. The apprentices began preliminary work on the #SharkWall this week. The project is scheduled for completion in August.

Roz Tallmadge is the lead artist for Newport Aquarium’s #SharkWall.

Featuring aquatic marine life from around the world – including a 25-foot-tall African penguin – the #SharkWall will bring the experience of Newport Aquarium outside the building. It will serve as a focal point for the Newport riverfront, seen by thousands each day from downtown Cincinnati, boaters on the Ohio River, visitors to Newport on the Levee, and pedestrians on the Purple People Bridge and Taylor Southgate Bridge.

Upon its expected August completion date, the #SharkWall will provide unique experiences from different vantage points. From downtown Cincinnati, viewers will recognize some of Newport Aquarium’s most popular animals. Newport on the Levee pedestrians will have an entirely different experience – discovering hidden treasures that only close examination will reveal.

Track #SharkWall Progress: Newport Aquarium is encouraging the public to take photos and post them to social media networks using the #SharkWall hashtag throughout the summer to help track the progress of the project.

About ArtWorks: Founded in 1996, ArtWorks is an award-winning non-profit organization that employs and trains local youth and talent to create art and community impact through three strategic programming areas: Public Art, including an extensive mural program; an art therapy division, ArtRx; and an entrepreneurial arm, Creative Enterprise.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

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Newport Aquarium, the No. 1 aquarium in the country according to USA Today’s 10Best.com, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler in 2014 and by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com