LA JOLLA, Calif.─Rolling green and yellow paint across a 20-foot canvas, the internationally renowned marine-life artist known as Wyland began the community mural. Kids sat on all sides, watching as a picture of a killer whale began to take form, eagerly awaiting their chance to share in the work.
Putting the finishing touches on the background, Wyland invited the kids to choose a picture of their favorite sea animal, grab a brush, and paint with him side by side, thus beginning Wyland's 4th annual "Every Drop Counts Tour" at the La Jolla Birch Aquarium at Scripps on Saturday, Sept.29.
Probably best known for his massive, life sized murals of ocean life, including his mural on the downtown San Diego National Bank Building and his mural at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Wyland plans to stop in eight states across the U.S. during this year's tour, visiting different schools, aquariums, and zoos. The purpose of this trek is to teach kids about clean water and healthy oceans by having them "picture healthy coasts, lakes, rivers, estuaries, and wetlands," while working with Wyland on a series of marine-life themed murals.
"I believe that by them seeing the beauty in nature, they'll want to protect it," said Wyland, "By them painting the animals of the sea and seeing themselves involved in environmental art, maybe they'll take the next step and be curious to learn more."
The ocean scene quickly filled with different colors and sea creatures as children painted alongside Wyland. "I painted a harbor seal because I like animals that live in the arctic," said 8-year-old Elle Samdiere, "It's my favorite animal."
Aside from the mural, families enjoyed the music of a live band, took part in testing the quality of their water, and learned more about ways to help reduce pollution and conserve water. Families were also encouraged to help make a difference by making electronic pledges to reduce pollution, conserve water, and change habits at the interactive "water pledge" kiosk.
This year's tour aims to reduce water waste by 10 million gallons over the next year. Joining the tour this year is the new mobile education center, which includes a 1,000 square foot education center, a 4D theatre, computer modeling, and hands on science activities. "It's fantastic. It's a great opportunity for kids to interact with an incredible artist, while at the same time bringing home a message about preserving our oceans," said Jenny Ilfeld from Carmel Valley as her kids finished their paintings.
Founded in 1993 with Wyland leading the way, the non-profit Wyland Foundation has dedicated itself to creating environmental awareness by teaching kids about marine science and water conservation.
Wyland has also been working on his "Whaling Wall" project since 1981, and has painted 95 massive murals in 72 cities around the world, depicting life-sized animals such as 100 ft. Blue Whales and other sea creatures, with some murals being more than 1,000 feet wide and over 100 feet high. Wyland says that he hopes to complete his 100th mural in 2008 to complete his 27-year project, but he plans to continue painting murals with kids for many years to come.
"I'll probably be doing this long enough to see these kids paint with me," said Wyland. "Kid's art is very powerful. They can change the world, we just need to believe in them, let them get involved, and help them make a difference. The idea here is that by doing this across the country, we can unite all the kids, all the art, the science, the message, and have it all come together in a spectacular way."
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