(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 19, 2003 ) WHAT: Internationally renowned environmental artist Wyland will complete his next "Whaling Wall" marine life mural, a 2,700-square foot painting, at the Palau International Airport in the Republic of Palau. A dedication ceremony with Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. will be held at the airport at 4 pm Thursday, Feb. 20.

WHO: Wyland's goal over the last twenty years has been to draw attention to global marine resource issues by painting 100 monumental marine life murals throughout the world. His new mural - number 90 - will depict the native sea life of Palau, including dugongs, marine animals native to the coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region that were once mistaken by sailors for mermaids. Dugongs have been classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Wyland's time is donated. His murals are gifts to the countries where they are painted.

WHERE: Palau International Airport (new terminal), Babeldaob Island, the largest island in Palau. Palau is located 722 miles southeast of Guam, in the westernmost part of the Micronesian region of the Pacific. Palau is becoming increasingly known for its marine conservation.

WHEN: February 14-20, 2003

WHY: "Palau is one of the most beautiful places on earth," says Wyland, 46. "We're just hoping that projects like this will help educate and inspire people to conserve the country's natural beauty for future generations."

BACKGROUND: Wyland, whose work is seen by an estimated 1 billion people a year, was recognized for his environmental outreach by the United Nations in 1998, when he was named the official artist for the International Year of the Oceans. During his visit to Palau, Wyland painted an additional mural, Feb 14-15, to benefit the Etpison Museum and Gallery in the capital of Koror, where he hosted a painting clinic for local schoolchildren. The following companies generously donated to bring this project to Palau: Palau Pacific Resort, NECO, Presidents Office, Mason's Hardware, Pacific Savings Bank, United Coatings and the Ministry of Education.

For more information, visit: www.wylandfoundation.org

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Produced for Wyland Galleries

Contact:
Tel. 011 1 949-643-7070
stevec@wylandgalleries.com

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Wyland Galleries
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