Whale of a success

NEA Today, Feb 1999

Innovator:. Wyland Job:

Artist, environmentalist, and founder of the nonprofit Wyland Foundation

Bright Idea:

Wyland-known for his mega-sized murals called "Whaling Walls"issued the Wyland Ocean Challenge last year to schools nationwide to increase awareness of the oceans.

The challenge features lesson plans (K-6 or 7-12) developed with the Orange County Marine Institute. Students write songs, poems, or essays on marine life. Some go on to work on more "challenging" art projects, culminating in a team ocean mural.

"These kids become passionate and committed about cleaning up the Ocean", says Wylan. "I tell them it takes one person to make a difference-be that persn."

IMPACT:

To date, 15,000 students have been inspired to create 100,000 ocean murals-and many more have learned to protect the oceans, says Wyland.

For More: Contact the Wyland Foundation at PO. Box 1839, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, 800/777-0039, or visit the Web at www.wylandfoundation.org.