Wyland Clean Water Tour - Exploring the Natural World through Art and Imagination February 3, 2006 World renowned marine-life artist Wyland, the Wyland Foundation and Minotaur Maze Exhibits are celebrating water through the Wyland Clean Water Tour 10-day event available to institutions throughout North America in 2006 and 2007. By combining the worlds of art and science, the Wyland Clean Water Tour conveys the importance of water and how it connects us all. Through exploration, expression, and action visitors experience the water cycle, understand the science behind water purity, and realize the power each individual has to make a difference. “The maze and the mural painting were definitely the highlights of our guests' experience that day.” – Mary Cardle – Vancouver Aquarium, Marketing Coordinator The tour was field-tested as a one day event in 11 major cities along the West Coast. Sponsored by the Surfrider Foundation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UCSD), the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and the California Coastal Commission the tour reached more than 80,000 people - - and was featured in 500 newspapers across the nation in USA Today’s Sunday Weekend Magazine supplement. “The Wyland Exhibit met all of the San Francisco Zoo’s expectations and more.” – Lora La Marca, Marketing and Public Relations Director, San Francisco Zoo Employing art, science and exploration, the Wyland Clean Water Tour makes water education accessible to all types of learners. Tour components include: - 1000 sq ft Water’s Extreme Journey life-size, walk through maze highlighting the impact of non-point pollution. - 300sq ft Community Mosaic art project where each individual makes a difference. - Watershed demonstration showing why non-point pollution is the main source of ocean pollution. - Science Investigation Center - where visitors get to be the scientist. - Clean Water Act Letter Painting Campaign – Through open expression, visitors can be active citizens and support local enforcement of the Clean Water Act. With pen, paint, crayons, and markers, visitors will convey why water is important to them. - Wyland Gift Shop (pending) – Will include Wyland signature items and the fully integrated “Learn to Draw and Paint with Wyland” art activity. - Impact Kiosk – Visitors commit to lifestyle changes of their choosing and see the positive impact their decisions will have in 1, 5, 10, and 20 years. - 27,000-gallon fully staffed, heated SCUBA dive demonstration pool and personal appearances by Wyland at key locations Benefits to Participating Institutions 1. Message reinforcement - Repeated exposure to theme of protected watersheds - Reinforces role of venue as community conservation partner 2. Increased foot traffic - Unique event - Hands-on opportunities for guests - Media placements 3. Retail revenue - Commemorative limited-edition tour gifts and souvenirs - New tour companion book of “Hold Your Water: 50 things you can do for Water” to be published by Andrews McMeel- Universal. Available spring 2006. Authors available for signings at venue 4. Educational value - May be preceded with local school presentations - Supplemental related classroom activities available (created by Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Wyland Foundation educators). Meets national standards for art and science. 5. High value turn-key program - Pre-created materials / set-up - Time-tested tour ensures guest satisfaction - Volunteer training available Click for more information The Wyland Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization (FIN 33-0543876) that inspires people to care about our oceans and related marine ecosystems. Founded in 1993 by marine life artist Wyland, the foundation encourages involvement in conservation through classroom education programs, community service, and art in public places. The foundation began as an outreach vehicle for marine-based arts in public places projects, and has since expanded its mission to include community service projects, environmental awareness events, and art and science classroom education projects. Minotaur Maze Exhibits creates immersive learning environments built upon the universal appeal of walk-through mazes. Empowering individuals to move beyond education and into action, our traveling exhibitions provide pathways to informed and inspired life-decisions. << more news