Press Room

News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 15, 2010)

J. J. Keller Foundation Sponsors Vancouver 'Whaling Wall' restoration

Will greet 2010 Winter Olympics visitors

Neenah, WI — Little did marine wildlife artist Wyland know that when his "Whaling Wall" in the heart of Vancouver was painted in 1994, it would become part of the 2010 Winter Olympics. And, little did James J. Keller of the J. J. Keller Foundation know that he’d be playing a role in the historic revamping of the painting to make it ready for the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city in the next few weeks.

Keller, vice president of the foundation board, is the title sponsor of the effort to restore the 15-year-old Whaling Wall. The restoration of the 80- by 90-foot wall includes the addition of the distinctive Olympics logo – the five multi-colored rings that symbolize the coming together of the five worldly continents at the Olympics.

Kickoff for the restoration of the "Vancouver Island Orcas" mural is set for Jan. 18 with those in attendance to include Wyland, Canadian wildlife artist Robert Batemen and others who have partnered on the effort.

The restoration symbolizes international cooperation and celebrates the environment among all generations. The 7,200-square-foot Vancouver Whaling Wall is one of the most recognizable landmarks along a major artery into the city at the north end of the Granville Bridge. It was the 56th mural in Wyland’s series of 100 monumental conservation-themed marine life murals around the world. Whaling Walls appear in 79 cities in 13 countries around the world, with the final one done in conjunction with the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Keller and the world-famous Wyland struck up a relationship in December 2008 that resulted in the artist’s visit to J. J. Keller & Associates, Neenah, last winter. During the trip, Wyland shared his life’s journey with 1,200 company associates, and a miniature version of a Whaling Wall was done by the associates in the cafeteria of the home office.

Wyland has earned distinction as one of America’s most unique creative influences, and a leading advocate for marine resource conservation. An accomplished painter, sculptor, photographer, writer and SCUBA diver, he has traveled the world for more than 25 years, capturing the power and beauty of the undersea universe for others to appreciate.

The J. J. Keller Foundation’s primary mission is to provide funding to organizations, projects and programs that address the causes and consequences of poverty in the greater Fox Valley community. This project, however, received support through a small discretionary fund that is reserved for unique, special projects. The Foundation was formed by John J. "Jack" Keller in 1991 in celebration of his wife Ethel’s 70th birthday. With the subsequent passing of both Jack and Ethel, the family has continued the Keller legacy of giving, and more than 300 community organizations have since been positively impacted as a result.

About J. J. Keller

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.® was established in 1953 and has become the nation’s leader in risk and regulatory management solutions. The company employs over 1,100 associates and serves nearly 350,000 customers, including more than 90% of the Fortune 1000. J. J. Keller’s diverse products and services include publications, forms, training, supplies, software, consulting, online management tools, outsourced services, and mobile technology.