Students Collaborate With Renowned Muralist on Vis

ATLANTA, Oct. 21, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Renowned muralist and conservationist Wyland will launch a national challenge for students across America to create large scale murals and individual artworks depicting the many ways the nation's coasts, lakes, rivers, and wetlands shape our lives. The month-long campaign kicks off at 10 a.m. Oct. 21 at the Georgia Aquarium with a live art lesson for students, followed by the unveiling of a new 400-square foot Wyland mural at the Georgia Aquarium.

As part of the national "Water Is Life" competition, the Wyland Foundation and its partners will be giving more than 9,000 students in 300 schools in 45 states an opportunity to create 50 square foot canvas murals to look at the economic, cultural and aesthetic value of American waters. The contest encourages students to study local and national water issues and work collaboratively.

The artist hopes the process of interpreting water-based habitats through art will lead students to a greater understanding of their role as future caretakers of the resource. "America's water resources are among our greatest treasures," said Wyland, whose marine life murals are seen by more than 1 billion people around the world every year. "Our coastal waters, rivers, and lakes support millions of people. But like anything they need our attention and art helps put that into focus."

The contest is open to every school in the nation for grades, K-12. The first 300 participating schools will receive Fredrix Artist Canvas mural kits, including a 50-square foot artist canvas, paints, brushes, instructional DVD, and custom designed lesson guide. Additional participating schools are encouraged to utilize any 5 foot x 10 foot surface to create their mural entry. An individual art contest for grades K-12 will also be held concurrently. Details at wylandfoundation.org/artchallenge.

The contest is presented in partnership with Fredrix Artist Canvas, Arts & Activities Magazine, National Van Lines, the US Forest Service, the Georgia Aquarium and Marco Fine Arts.

Wyland Foundation:

Founded by renowned environmental artist Wyland in 1993, the Wyland Foundation has helped children and families around the nation to rediscover the importance of healthy ocean and waterways through public art programs, classroom science education, and live events. Notable programs include the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation and the traveling Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center. The foundation is celebrating its 20 Year Anniversary. Learn more at www.wylandfoundation.org

ABOUT GEORGIA AQUARIUM

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the world's most dynamic aquariums—containing more than 10 million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. Georgia Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org .

Steve Creech Cell: 949-436-2489 Email: