MEDIA ADVISORY, Aug. 3, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) --
WHAT: The artist responsible for nearly 100 gigantic sea
life murals around the world -- some as large as 3
acres -- is hosting a series of cleanups and rallies
in 15 states along the eastern seaboard, including
an Aug. 8 stop at Coney Island, West 10th and
Surf Ave., Organizers have extended
invitations to 100 conservation organizations,
local aquariums, and museums throughout the eastern
seaboard to exhibit and share information coastal
habitats and marine-related environmental issues.
WHY: The goal of the 15-state, 16-city Wyland Ocean
Challenge coastal celebration and cleanup tour is to
inspire over 1 million people of all ages to promote,
protect and preserve the nation's marine habitats,
from its coasts to its rivers, lakes and wetlands.
"Problems like growth, pollution runoff and
development have creative massive environmental
problems for our waterways, especially around New
York," said marine life artist Wyland whose
460-foot-long mural can be seen locally at the Port
Authority Bus Terminal, 41st St.
Underpass. "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."
EVENT SCHEDULE: Cleanups will occur from 7-10 a.m. each day.
Extensive activities, including guest speakers,
live music, marine life art exhibition, an
environmental "Family Feud" game and local
environmental updates, will take place from
11:30 a.m. - 1 pm., with additional activities,
including a hydrogen fuel cell model car
demonstration, and an opportunity for
children to draw with Wyland, will take place
throughout the day. The event is free.
WHO: One of the world's most recognizable artists, Wyland
has personally discussed environmental issues with
nearly 1,000,000 children over the last twenty years,
hosted his own show on TV's "Animal Planet," and has
created life-size Whaling Wall murals in 68 cities
around the world. He has been recognized for his
conservation efforts by the national educator's
association the United Nations, and environmental
groups around the world. The Wyland Foundation is a
501c3 non-profit organization.
NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS: Online press kit with print ready images, schedule, local speakers, and quicktime video available at: http://www.wylandoceanchallenge.org/media