RENOWNED ENVIRONMENTAL ARTIST TO CREATE COMMEMORATIVE PAINTING
FOR NOAA’S 200TH CELEBRATION

Wyland — a globally recognized artist and environmental advocate — will create an original commemorative oil painting as the official artist for NOAA’s 200th celebration of science, service and stewardship to the nation. From the establishment of the Survey of the Coast in 1807 by Thomas Jefferson to the formation of the Weather Bureau and the Commission of Fish and Fisheries in the 1870s, much of America's scientific heritage is rooted in NOAA.

Based in Laguna Beach, Calif., Wyland has long been associated with grassroots outreach, community art and education programs, clean water awareness tours and public arts projects. Wyland operates the non-profit Wyland Foundation, dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects and community events.

“Wyland has the extraordinary gift of bringing the marine environment into people’s daily lives and helping them appreciate its majestic beauty,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “The partnership of Wyland's inspirational creativity and NOAA's rich history credxate the perfect bridge connecting the worlds of art and science.”

“NOAA literally takes the pulse of the planet,” says Wyland, who rose to prominence with the creation of his gigantic Whaling Wall murals around the world. “They have been a driving force in providing science, service, and stewardship x may very well save our world. The opportunity for an artist like myself to participate in NOAA’s 200th celebration is the highest honor.”

Wyland will unveil his work during the NOAA 200th celebration gala in Washington, D.C., on October 9, 2007.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of the nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 60 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

On the Web:

NOAA 200th Celebration: http://celebrating200years.noaa.gov

Wyland: http://www.wylandfoundation.org