On the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the newly-founded Gulf Great White Shark Society celebrated Gulf Great White Sharks: Return of an Icon at the Museum of the Gulf Coast with a unique artistic contribution.
The Society’s founder, award-winning wildlife journalist Chester Moore, partnered with renowned wildlife artist Calvin Carter to create the official premiere artwork, honoring the return of great white sharks to the Gulf and promoting conservation awareness.
“Speaking with Calvin to give him the insights on great whites in the Gulf to create this piece was an incredible experience, and it added a lot to our premiere and thrilled the capacity crowd at the Museum of the Gulf Coast,” Moore said.
“After visiting the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Shark Center in Chatham, MA on Cape Cod twice in 2024, and even having the honor of tagging along on their drone study of great whites off those beautiful shores with my videographer friend Paul Fuzinski, I decided the best thing to do with the original artwork was to donate it to them for their future fundraisers.”
Through the event, the Society was also able to contribute a $300 donation directly to AWSC.
“They are doing groundbreaking work on shark science and safety, and it means a lot to support their mission. I reached out to AWSC co-founder Cynthia Wigren and was excited to see they were happy to take the beautiful piece Calvin created,” Moore added.
Calvin Carter expressed his excitement for the project.
“I’m honored to work with Chester on something so meaningful. Art can play a powerful role in helping people connect with conservation. I’m especially proud to represent the Gulf’s great whites, a subject close to my heart,” Carter said.
The piece was inspired by “LeeBeth,” the great white shark that made headlines when she appeared off South Padre Island in 2024. Having spent much of his time in South Padre, Carter drew on the landscape and atmosphere of the area to capture “the idea of another great white just beyond the surf, once again showing the comeback of the species and how they show up in unexpected places.”
“Art is a universal way to convey the beauty and awe of sharks,” Moore said.
“It’s something even kids can engage with and Calvin knows this best, since he also teaches high school art,” Moore said.
Together, the Society and Carter hope that this collaboration will not only honor the Gulf’s connection to these apex predators but also help fund critical conservation work through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.
“The return of great whites to the Gulf is a reminder that our waters are alive with wonder,” Moore said.
“By blending science, art, and community, we can inspire people of all ages to protect these incredible creatures and ensure their legacy endures for generations.”
Join the Gulf Great White Shark Society for free and get a free decal by signing up (subscribe) here and emailing chester@chestermoore.com with your mailing address.
Check out Calvin Carter’s artwork at www.calvincarterart.com.
Connect with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy at www.atlanticwhiteshark.org.
Bull Shark Vs. Manatee!
Have you ever heard a manatee get blamed for underwater wreckage… only for bull sharks to be the real culprits?
That’s just the opening act in our deep dive into bizarre Texas shark lore.
Watch my video commentary on this wild story here.
Join us as we untangle fact from fiction—
• Myth vs. reality: A manatee was blamed for damage in Texas waters—but mounting evidence points to juvenile bull sharks stirring up trouble, not gentle sea cows.
• The “lassoed” bull shark rumor: A strange newspaper report claimed Texas game wardens “lassoed” a bull shark after it attacked someone—but you’ll hear why that tale is pure myth.
• A 40-year-old legend resurfaces: Back in the day, rumors circulated that a “baby great white” was born in Texas and found in Sabine Lake. We’re piecing together whether that story has any teeth—or if it’s just another fishy rumor. And we’re leaning that direciton.
Follow Chester Moore on the following social media platforms
@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram
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Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.
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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.
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