The Painted Whale is a specialized art company operated by local artist and educator Justine Pechuzal. In addition to painting the 'Alaska Statehood' and the 'Pieces of Hope' murals in Seward, she has created over a dozen collaborative school murals throughout rural Alaska from Nome to the Aleutians.  Mrs. Pechuzal also enjoys teaching drawing and painting paired with environmental themes.    

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Seward was designated The Mural Capital of Alaska in 2008 by the state legislature.  Many of the thirty works in the city's collection were created under the direction of the Seward Mural Society, an all volunteer group. Your participation in a mural tour supports local art!

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Mrs. Pechuzal holds an MA in art education, a BA in art history and creative writing, and a minor in studio art. Both her public artwork and fine artwork are inspired by a profound curiosity and respect for the environment.  Decades of personal and professional outdoor experiences, including sea kayak guiding in Seward, inform her work.    

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