ADVISORY, July 6, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) --
WHAT: Renowned environmental artist Wyland, who began his mission to create 100 giant murals of marine life around the world more than 27 years ago, will complete the landmark project in the lead up to the Olympic Games in Beijing. With the help of thousands of children from around the globe, the artist will create a "Great Green Wall of China" spanning more than a mile with life-size canvas segments representing endangered or threatened marine wildlife from 205 nations. Joining Wyland in the effort will be renowned Chinese environmental artist Xikun Yuan. The project is a featured event of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Cultural Festival to promote the Green Olympics.
WHERE: Jin Tai Museum, 1 Nongzhan South Road, Chaoyang Park, Beijing
WHEN: 9 am to 5 pm daily, July 7 - July 21, 2008.
BACKGROUND: Founded in 1981, the Whaling Wall project is the largest ongoing arts in public places program dedicated to environmental awareness. The murals have set world records for the largest paintings by one person and are seen by an estimated one billion people each year. Children around the world have been invited to join Wyland in painting of more than 100 giant canvases, with sections representing the world's coasts, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. The project will celebrate the role of children working together for environmental protection and promote the spirit of the Green Olympics, an international movement to encourage environmental awareness and action through the Olympic Games.
WHO: Laguna Beach, Calif.-based Wyland, 51, is an official artist for the U.S. Olympic Team. The artist commenced the first two giant canvases for "Hands Across the Oceans" at the United Nations Environment Program's International Children's Conference in Stavanger, Norway, June 17-21, with students from 100 countries.
QUICK FACTS
-- Nations, including Russia, Hungary, Brazil, Nepal, and Costa Rica
have contributed canvases created in their own countries
-- Images will feature endangered marine life as included in the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN) Red List.
-- The Wyland Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that
inspires people to care about marine life and habitats. For
information, visit www.wylandfoundation.org
EDITORS:
For a complete press kit, visit: http://www.wylandfoundation.org/index.cfm?mid=9&sid=41