DETROIT, Oct. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Wyland Foundation --
WHAT: Famed marine life artist and environmentalist Wyland returns to his native Michigan, Oct. 24 for a series of guest lectures at Detroit-area elementary, middle, and high schools and colleges. The artist, who will be receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the Center for Creative Studies in 2006, will share with students his keys to success in the arts -- and in life. Presentations will include a film on the artist's work in art and environmental education.
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 24
-- 8 a.m. -- Hoover Elementary (Hazel Park)
-- 9:30 a.m. -- Page Junior High (Madison Heights)
-- 11 a.m. -- Lamphere High School
-- 3 p.m. -- Detroit Center for Creative Studies
WHO: No stranger to controversy, Wyland has endured many personal battles to save his own public art works. He recently won a victory for public art when two separate bids by General Motors and Reebok to cover the Wyland mural on the 10-story David Broderick Tower, across from Comerica Park, with a giant advertisement failed. The mural was painted as a gift to the city of Detroit in 1997. Covering the mural with advertising, the artist said, would have "been a blow to public art everywhere." Wyland's goal over the past twenty-five years has been to create a series of 100 landmark marine life murals. The murals are gifts to cities to raise awareness of marine life -- and related marine habitats. The artist currently has 93 murals in 69 cities around the world. He attended the Center for Creative Students from 1976-1977.
EDITORS: To interview Wyland, contact Steve Creech 9 a.m.-6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday by cell at (949) 436-2489 or by e-mail at stevec@wyland.com. Local contacts: Rick Rogers, Center for Creative Studies, (313) 664-7470. Jim McCann, Lamphere Superintendent, (248) 721-6783.
NOTE TO EDITORS: High-res photos suitable for print available online at image library of http://www.wylandoceanchallenge.org/media