Laguna Beach based artist Wyland has been invited by the White House to paint a 20-foot environment themed canvas mural with children on Monday, March 24, as part of festivities lined up for the 2008 White House Easter Egg Roll.

The artist and muralist, whose non-profit foundation is actively engaged in conservation and education programs, was invited at the request of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

“People are becoming more aware about the human impacts on our coasts and waterways,” said the artist, 50. “Events like these are a great way to get kids involved in conservation from the beginning.”

The White House Easter Egg Roll has a long history dating back to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes officially opened the White House Grounds to local children on Easter Monday. Successive presidents have continued the tradition. This year’s event will emphasize ocean conservation. 24,000 children are expected to attend.

Wyland is also an official artist for the United States Olympic team for the 2008 “green” Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he will paint his a mile-long canvas with children around the world to celebrate healthy oceans and clean water. His national “Every Drop Counts” Tours continue to educate children throughout the United States about the importance of caring for our waterways.

The Wyland Foundation’s Clean Water Mobile Learning Center is currently on display at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, Calif. The Maritime Museum in West Sayville has invited this exhibit to participate in the Annual Seafood Festival scheduled for late August, 2008. Hopefully local children will get a chance to see the over 1000 sq. feet of hands-on exhibits focusing on keeping the waters clean and protecting the animals that depend on them.

Please stop in at the newest Wyland Gallery located at 61 Railroad Ave., Sayville, New York 11782 (631) 750-6070 for more information on Wyland
and his incredible art. Email: WylandSayville@aol.com