IRVINE, Calif., April 17, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- His recent painting credits include gigantic wildlife murals in the Republic of Palau, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Destin, Florida. Now, marine life artist Wyland shares his time with local students for an Earth Day "Celebration of the Sea" from 11 AM - 1 PM Saturday, April 19, at UC Irvine's Aldrich Park. The event is free and open to the public.
Wyland is best known for his 90 life-size murals of whales, dolphins, and endangered marine animals such as the West Indian manatee and Southern Sea Otter. In 1998, he was the official artist for the United Nations International Year of the Oceans.
"Over 70 percent of the earth is covered in water," the artist says. "It would be a shame to leave out such an important part of our environment in any Earth Day celebration."
Children, grades K-12, are invited to participate in "Celebrate the Sea" an interactive mural painting project with Wyland. Paints will be supplied. The event is one of the highlights of the UC Irvine Earth Day 2003 celebration. In addition to painting with Wyland, children can participate in interactive exhibits such as a traveling insect zoo, reptile presentations, and learn what environmental groups and organizations are concerned with today. It is also an opportunity to learn how to make our planet a safer and cleaner place.
For more information on Earth Day 2003, contact the UCI Volunteer Center at (949) 824-3500 or volunteer@uci.edu
EDITORS: To interview Wyland, contact Steve Creech 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. PST Monday through Friday at 949/ 643-7070, ext. 283.
NOTE TO EDITORS: High-res photos suitable for print available online at image library of http://www.wylandworldwide.com/main/media.cfm
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