"Exploration is curiosity in action." ~Don Marsh

MMS students were greeted with a HUGE symbol of inspiration earlier in March with the installation of "Explorer" at our Staunton Avenue campus. "Explorer" is an 8' x 12' acrylic paneled mural by West Virginia artist Blake Wheeler. The mural is a huge hit with our students, many of whom invented reasons to walk past it when it was installed.

Up for bid is an autographed, 20x30 gallery wrapped canvas print of this evocative work.

"Explorer" is inspired by Blake's own childhood exploring the hills of West Virginia.

"Explorer" depicts a young boy who has discovered a large abandoned robot head in a surreal version of a West Virginia landscape. Climbing atop the head, the Explorer is able to get an expansive view to see where to explore next. The work highlights child-like exploration of imagination to keep the viewer exploring the painting and exploring their own imagination as well, with nods to Alice in Wonderland and WV icons, including the Mothman, hidden within.

Blake's work can be found throughout the area, including the "pirate ship" at the Haddad Park Sail Stage, a "secret" mural amidst the ivy on a wall at Bridge and Myrtle Roads, a pier under I-64, Luna Park signs and a trail mural project underway at Hurricane Park.