MEDIA ADVISORY, Aug. 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) --
WHAT: The artist responsible for nearly 100 gigantic sea
life murals around the world -- some as large as 3
acres -- is hosting a series of cleanups and rallies
in 15 states along the eastern seaboard, including an
Aug. 22 stop in Myrtle Beach at the park at the
beach end of Joe White Ave. Organizers have extended
invitations to 100 conservation organizations, local
aquariums, and museums throughout the eastern seaboard
to exhibit and share information about coastal
habitats and marine-related environmental issues.
WHY: The goal of the 15-state, 16-city Wyland Ocean
Challenge coastal celebration and clean-up tour is to
inspire over 1 million people of all ages to promote,
protect and preserve the nation's marine habitats.
"Problems like growth, pollution, runoff and
development have created massive environmental
problems for our waterways," said marine life artist
Wyland, whose 12,500-square foot mural can be seen
locally on the Myrtle Beach convention center.
"Events like this are a way to show that when people
work together for a common purpose -- a clean
environment, in this case -- they can literally change
the face of our planet."
EVENT SCHEDULE:Cleanups will occur from 7-10 a.m. each day.
Extensive activities, including local guest speakers,
live music, an environmental "Family Feud" game and
local environmental updates, will take place from
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., with additional activities,
including a hydrogen fuel cell model car
demonstration, a live animal touch tank, and an
opportunity for children to draw with Wyland, will
take place throughout the day. Event is free.
WHO: One of the world's most recognizable artists, Wyland
has personally discussed environmental issues with
nearly 1,000,000 children over the last twenty years,
hosted his own show on TV's "Animal Planet," and has
created life-size Whaling Wall murals in 68 cities
around the world. He has been recognized for his
conservation efforts by the National Educator's
Association, the United Nations, and environmental
groups around the world.