I am from the midwest but have always been fascinated by marine life and its preservation. In the 1990's I was shopping at JC Penny and stumbled across the most beautiful artwork by an artist that I had never heard of before; Robert Wyland. This department store sold his framed artwork, which I continue to have displayed in my home, as well as an entire bathroom collection from Wyland. I am an occupational therapist for a public school district and the name of one of my schools is; The Wyland Dolphins. One year, Mr. Wyland was in St. Louis and one of our teachers contacted him to tell him about our school. He not only visited our school but provided an all-school assembly, taught some art classes with our art teacher, painted a dolphin on one of the ceiling tiles, and even donated one of his books to our library. I decorated the school's display case with Mr. Wyland's artwork and books. I am a member of the Wyland Foundation. I took the pledge to honor and protect our waters. I support the foundation by purchasing gifts for others and also for myself. I have Wyland notecards always available for when I send out a greeting. I wear his logo on shirts, hats, tote bags, etc. As an educator, I take advantage of the free downloads. As I get close to retirement, I hope to visit some of Wyland's Whaling Walls as well as his galleries and even meet Mr. Wyland in person. As a mother and grandmother, I hope I have passed on the mission to protect our waters and all that live within them. I would love to volunteer for the Wyland Foundation. I do not know if this is possible, as I do live in the midwest. I will do whatever I can to continue to advocate for this most worthwhile cause. Thank-you, Nancy Giannasi
As a member of The Wyland Foundation, I appreciate the focus on educating children - the future for this planet. The Wyland Foundation has many projects and events that bring the message of water conservation to the front.
With the Climate Crisis worsening, it is imperative that we all do something, anything to mitigate the potential world harm. Wyland Foundation is one organization that is doing its best to bring the message to as many people as possible. This is a responsible and caring organization and I'm proud to be part of its good work!
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I became aware of the Wyland Foundation by watching Wyland's Art Studio program on PBS. I have admired their commitment to preserving and conserving the earth's water. I think it is important that the foundation and its founder tend to focus on educating our young people. They are the future and last hope for saving this planet.
With no water, there will be no survival for humans.
The Wyland Foundation has continued our work as teachers to expose students and families to the wonders of the ocean. Before we retired from teaching, Paula Shuman (4th grade teacher) and I (kindergarten teacher) took our students and their parents whale watching off the coast of Redondo Beach. It was a yearly trip to introduce our students to marine life and the importance of conservation. It is such a privilege to see the Wyland Foundation continue our work for the future generations, something we couldn't sustain since leaving the classroom. Paula and I were able to witness some new ideas from the foundation when we went whale watching with Wyland last May 2021. We loved reminiscing about our trips and seeing how the foundation continued our/their work with the local community. What a delight to see how Wyland has given back and continues to support the conservation of the ocean environment.
My name is Teresa and I am the Founder and Director of Operations for Puzzling Stories that Make Sense Project. I have been visiting the different Wyland Galleries in Southern California for almost 30 years now. I met Krissie, Wyland's mother and aunt Linda around 26 years ago at the Wyland Laguna Beach Gallery. I told them about the work that I did with children impacted by different developmental disorders, in foster care, and even in the juvenile hall system. They invited me to bring all the families an children that I knew to come visit the galleries, the artist, and get to learn about the Foundation. Krissie and Linda would give us all a tour and teach us about water conservation, the endangered species, and about how Wyland started painting when he was just a child. The kids were always very excited and felt very welcomed by all of the artists. The kids even were able to attend a few birthday parties with Wyland and sing him Happy Birthday on a few occasions. I would go here to get away from the world and escape into a wonderful world of art and peace that was further supported by the loving company and comfort of Wyland's mother on several occasions. We further volunteered for several events with the Ocean Mobiles and big special events. The Wyland Gallery and Foundation have a lot of great free downloads that the kids would color and paint to help reduce their anxiety and learn about the ocean life. This program, the amazing people, and the art consultants have made a big impact in our lives. Now, I have a son with special needs and I get to focus on him now and introduce him to the amazing world of the Ocean and Wyland Foundation in hopes that he will understand and also grow to be aware of the beauty and connection that we all have together. Thank you for making a big difference in our lives and impacting the children that we brought to your doors and home. Sincerely, Teresa Rodriguez, M.S. Director of Operations
I have been going to Wyland's Art Gallery in Laguna Beach since the 1990s for my go-to place of peace and rejuvenation amongst his artwork of the sea; however, it's not "just artwork", but alongside the gifted beauty of Wyland's sculptures, paintings, and drawings, is his incredible dedication to the preservation of the sea and its awesome creatures. Wyland works up close with preservation groups and had dedicated his life to this incredible work. That is why I support his Foundation and purchase his sculptures and paintings for my personal Wyland wall in my home! Wyland is an inspiration to us all!
Mayors – Wyland Foundation... NO Other Foundation is doing this...
Residents across the United States took part in the 2020 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation by pledging to save over 1 billion gallons of water over the next year. The annual month-long campaign to promote water quality and water resource resiliency ended with mayors from 37 states vying to see whose city could be the nation’s most “water wise.”... Current My Volunteer Water Project - Waterwise Home
wylandfoundation.ecochallenge now thru May 2022... Litter removed from Beach...
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The Wyland Foundation is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events... And Wyland sees that his Foundation follows it's mission in all it does...
I love the artwork Wyland does, but I love even more that he has created this foundation to help make the earth a better place to live. From water conservation to wildlife preservation - a healthier eco system means a more beautiful earth!!!!
We have attended numerous Wyland Foundation events over the past decade and have enjoyed each one. Their staff and volunteers are engaging, thoughtful and thankful. Our kids love their Mobile Learning Experience and as parents, we love how our kids can tie art and conservation together. Fostering this kind of love for art and the environment can only help our planet thrive for generations to come.
EVERY DROP COUNTS - WATER CONNECTS US ALL!
I have been a proud volunteer for The Wyland Foundation for years because I believe in these two messages. I also believe that if we can teach the children to save this precious resource we will be leaving a positive impact in the world. Who knows what they will come up with!
We must allow kids to see the beauty in nature so they can protect it! Art is a fun way for kids to experiment with science and use their imagination. The Wyland Foundation is key to being one of the tools our kids will need.
Have your seen the mobile learning center? This is a field trip on wheels for students, inside its filled with fun lessons about their own personal watershed and how they can help to keep water clean in their own neighborhoods.
I highly recommend the Wyland Foundation it is my passion!
Best Fishes,
Kathy
The Wyland Groupers
The Wyland Foundation inspires children & adults to care for & appreciate our Oceans & the amazing creatures who inhabit them.
I used to do photo shoots at Wyland Galleries in South Lake Tahoe in 2010-2012 always treated amazingly by all staff and also Wyland himself. Met him several times. I became a collector and had several paintings and a lucite of Orca Planet that was my favorite piece.
I have received art supplies for my classroom, as well as art instruction, and a lot of conservation lessons. My class loves it, and they are truly inspired to make a difference. I also have been inspired. I love the Wyland Foundtion!
The Wyland Foundation is such an amazing organization. I love volunteering here because I absolutely love what Wyland has done over the years and how much he cares about making a difference. By volunteering I feel like I am also making a difference by creating awareness around the future of our oceans, marine life and overall planet and what we can do to save it. The team here is amazing and knowledgeable! I highly recommend the Wyland Foundation as a place to give your time!
Review from Guidestar
I have volunteered with the Wyland Foundation on several occasions and have always had a positive experience. First off, the Wyland Foundation is an exceptional organization with a clear vision to educate the general public on the importance of clean water, healthy oceans and water conservation. To support this vision, they've developed a number of really great programs to educate and engage people; from children to parents and teenagers to teachers.
The staff are also incredible. They've knowledgeable and - more importantly - passionate about what they do. The Wyland Foundation wouldn't have the same impact or be what it is today without the people driving the message.
If you're interested in volunteering or supporting a non-profit that can truly have an impact on the world, I would highly suggest looking at the Wyland Foundation.
I've volunteered at a few Wyland Foundation events. The environmental message is well conveyed through various fun, kid-friendly activities such as painting a mural. The staff from the foundation are all great and are genuinely passionate about their work.
I volunteered at the Wyland Living Green Fair at the Port of Long Beach's Green Port festival. The festival showcased organizations that are actively involved in making a positive difference in the health of our planet's environment. The Wyland Foundation brought it's mobile learning center to the event and had booths staffed with friendly and knowledgeable guides. Wyland, the internationally acclaimed marine wildlife artist painted a beautiful mural with children who attended the event. The food, weather, music and especially the community of energetic and passionate people helped to make this a meaningful and fun event.
Fun and educational atmosphere. Great music. Festive decor and great natural scenery from the Ocean Insitute in Dana Point. Painting activity with Wyland and the kids provided a wonderful learning opportunity for them. Nice variety of food and beverages. The Wyland staff were professional and personable. Good set-up of silent auction and auction. Enviromental message clear and throughout. Great event.