Wyland’s Whaling Wall completed and dedicated
World renowned muralist Wyland has completed the Whaling Wall on the north end of the Executive Office Building in Utulei. The mural, called “Ai O Le Tai,” was dedicated on Saturday, April 12, 2008 in the presence of government leaders, local artists, and members of the general public.
For his unselfish dedication to promoting ocean conservation, and agreeing to produce a spectacular work of art free of charge, Wyland was bestowed the high chief title “Tusiata O Le Moana” by Governor Togiola Tulafono during the dedication ceremony.
The Governor met Wyland during the International Year of the Reef conference held in Washington DC earlier this year where he invited him to create a mural for American Samoa as part of local efforts to promote the preservation of coral reefs and increase awareness of their critical role in affecting global climate change.
A very pleased Togiola expressed his gratitude to Wyland for dedicating his time and carrying out the job free of charge for the government and people of American Samoa.
The marine life mural, which features a close look at undersea life, is meant to promote awareness about the importance of conserving marine resources among our young people, especially this the Year of the Reef.
It took less than a week to complete the mural and during that time, local young artists had the chance to meet and work with Wyland which for many, if not all of them, was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Local youngsters were given the opportunity to paint on the mural – an incredible experience in itself – considering the fact that the majority of our kids have never held a brush, let alone drawn a picture before.
Students were able to paint free-style any marine life on the mural. Wyland said that of the million children he has worked with in the 50 states, the local art students were the finest young artists on the blue planet.
“Our young people are talented, but they have limited resources and opportunities to pursue art on a grand scale,” Togiola said during his weekend radio program. “The mural helps us to see the rich marine life in our corals. The coral reefs are important to us. They protect and feed our people. They are a part of our lives.”
Wyland’s mural was painted after he went diving for inspiration at the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Togiola said that Wyland has donated all copyrights and privileges for the EOB Whaling Wall at no cost, meaning we can use its value and resources to help raise funds for the upcoming 10th Pacific Festival of the Arts and later, the construction of a marine science center which Togiola says will promote marine research, education, and public awareness.
As Governor, Togiola says he is committed to supporting environmental stewardship and marine conservation, and he encourages everyone to appreciate and assist in protecting our fragile ocean resources. He also challenges local art students and teachers to create another mural on the wall of the Feleti Barstow Public Library, and to decorate as much of the local landscape with beautiful works of art.
Wyland, 51, painted his first Whaling Wall in Laguna Beach, CA 27 years ago. As the official US artist for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Wyland will be painting his 100th Whaling Wall there.
The 2008 International Year of the Reef is a world wide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reef ecosystems.
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