WYLAND WALL

Internationally renowned marine life artist WYLAND will be in Grenada to paint a life-size marine mural at the Tanteen Children’s playground on October 17th 2011. The project is funded by the WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) under the auspices of ABITPC (Antigua Barbuda Independent Tourism Promotion Corporation) headed by Martha Watkins Gilkes, in conjunction with two Grenadian organizations, the Grenada Fund for Conservation Inc. (GFC) and YWF-Kido Foundation Inc., which have a long history of working to raise public awareness and promote conservation of both local and Trans-boundary natural resources. 

WYLAND, who is known for his beautiful underwater scenes and Disney collaborations, will lead a group of Grenadian schoolchildren from nine schools that have been invited to participate in this exciting project. Each student will have a turn to paint alongside the artist and contribute to the rendering of the marine masterpiece. The impetus for this tribute to marine conservation is the commitment of ABITPC and WSPA to increase public awareness of marine ecology throughout the region. Grenada will be the second island in the Eastern Caribbean to have a Wyland wall; the first being located in Antigua. 

As a highly respected advocate of awareness about environmental conservation, Wyland’s unique life- size marine paintings have inspired many people worldwide to support marine life conservation, and he actively teaches students around the world to become more caring and conscious stewards of marine life.

"This mural is a labor of love. Children from all ages have expressed their views about the Ocean and its creatures.  It’s very exciting to see how the future generation is embracing values such as respect for all marine life.  WSPA is honored to have been part of this amazing creation" - Said Marcela Vargas, Programmes Manager at WSPA.

Public Relations officer for ABITPC Martha Watkins Gilkes stated, "This will be such an exciting project and a huge event for the Island of Grenada with a great marine educational effort being accomplished through the painting of the wall.  A special thanks to World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA) for their generous support of this project. “

Preparations for the arrival of Wyland have already commenced with the priming of the 10 ft wall where the artist will paint one of his trademark murals. In addition to the  painting of the  wall  there will be a display  sponsored by  SHARK SAVERS  to provide educational and  promotional material on the  conservation  of  endangered sharks.