PORTLAND, Maine, July 27, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The artist responsible for nearly 100 gigantic sea life murals around the world -- some as large as 3 acres -- will host a series of coastal cleanups and rallies in 15 states along the eastern seaboard, starting Aug. 3 in Portland, Maine.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1125
The goal of the 15-state, 16-city Wyland Ocean Challenge coastal celebration and clean-up tour is to inspire over 1 million people of all ages to promote, protect and preserve the nation's marine habitats.
"Problems like growth, pollution, runoff and development have created massive environmental problems for our waterways," said marine life artist Wyland, who's best known for his global Whaling Wall mural public arts projects. "Events like this are a way to show that when people work together for a common purpose -- a clean environment, in this case -- they can literally change the face of our planet."
The artist's non-profit Wyland Foundation is partnering with organizations such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Univ. of Calif., San Diego), Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and Project AWARE foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to conserving underwater environments through education advocacy and action.
The Foundation also has extended invitations to 100 conservation organizations, local aquariums, and museums throughout the eastern seaboard to exhibit and share information about coastal habitats and marine-related environmental issues. Cleanups will occur from 7-10 a.m. each day. Extensive activities, including guest speakers, live music, and local environmental updates, will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., with additional activities throughout the day.
All participants will receive the latest information about incorporating smart environmental practices at home, and a certificate of appreciation signed by United Nations Secretary General Kofi A. Annan, and explorers such as Dr. Robert Ballard and Dr. Sylvia Earle.
"We really intend for this to be a coming together for one day to clean up the coast in each state," said the artist, who intends to conduct similar cleanups around the nation over the next five years.
EDITORS: An online press kit is available with print-ready images at http://www.wylandoceanchallenge.org/media. For more information, or to arrange a pre-tour interview with Wyland, contact Steve Creech at 949-643-7070 via cell phone at 949-436-2489
East Coast Clean Up and Celebration Tour Schedule August 3 Old Orchard Beach, ME August 4 Hampton Beach, NH August 5 New Bedford, MA August 6 Providence, RI - Waterplace Park August 7 Norwalk, CT - Veteran's Memorial Park August 8 Coney Island, NY August 10 Philadelphia, PA - Fairmont Park August 11 Wildwood, NJ August 12 Wilmington, DE - Riverfront Park August 14 Ocean City, MD August 18 Virginia Beach, VA August 21 Wilmington, NC August 22 Myrtle Beach, SC August 25 St. Simons Island, GA August 28 Hollywood Beach, FL August 31 Key West, FL - Waterfront Market
NOTE TO EDITORS: The photo is also available at NewsCom, www.newscom.com
