ANCHORAGE, Alaska, June 23, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- On July 25-26, internationally renowned marine life artist Wyland will hold the first and second stops in his campaign against water pollution with appearances at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward and the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, 121 W. Seventh Ave. In partnership with local conservation groups, such as the Ocean Conservancy, Anchorage Waterways Council, Surfrider Foundation and Alaska Oceans Program, the artist will join children and adults to create sealife-themed murals. Each day includes live ocean-themed music, a film presentation, Wyland book signing and the latest updates on Alaska's coastal health from local conservation groups. The Anchorage event will be preceded by a community cleanup of Chester Creek and Westchester Lagoon. Gloves and bags will be provided. Participants meet at Westchester Lagoon, then join Wyland and his team at the museum. Subsequent tour stops in the lower 48 states will include a 1,000-square-foot interactive maze that follows a clean drop of water through mountains, rivers, city streets, storm drains and into the ocean. For information, schedules and locations, visit www.wylandoceanchallenge.org, http://www.surfrider.org/ or www.alaskasealife.org and www.anchoragemuseum.com
EVENT SITES
CREEK / LAGOON CLEANUP: ART / SCIENCE EVENTS:
June 26, 9-11 a.m. June 25, 12-3 pm
Westchester Lagoon Alaska SeaLife Center
Anchorage Parks and Recreation Seward
will host a clean-up activity at 907-224-6300
Westchester Lagoon
from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants June 26, 12 am-3 pm
will meet at the Trailwatch Building Anchorage Museum of History
off 15th Ave. and U St. and Art
Call (907) 343-4326. 121 W. Seventh Ave.
Anchorage
907-343-4326
Editor's Note: Wyland is best known in Alaska for his 400-foot-long marine life mural at 406 W. Fifth Ave. in Anchorage, Alaska. June 26 will be Wyland Ocean Challenge Day in Anchorage. Founded in 1993 by marine artist and muralist Wyland, the Wyland Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that encourages involvement in conservation through classroom education programs, community service and art in public places. With current partners such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UCSD), Surfrider Foundation, and American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the foundation supports up to 100 conservation, scientific research and education groups every year. The current cleanup tour is part of a five-year program to raise awareness about clean water and pollution issues worldwide. In 2004, the artist conducted cleanups in 16 cities along the East Coast. For a complete tour schedule or to arrange an interview or coverage, please contact: Steve Creech, 949-436-2489, stevec@wyland.com.
Print-ready images at http://www.wylandoceanchallenge.org/media