Green is a trend here to stay. Environmental preservation has never been a more pertinent topic and it should be particularly emphasized in a beautiful city like Miami Beach. As Chamber members, we have been working hard to raise our business and social causes, and under the leadership of the Arts & Culture Council, we’re now committed to protecting our natural resources as well.
Earlier this month, a new partnership with the Wyland Foundation commenced with a two-day production that drew artistic inspiration from our city’s natural beauty. More than 200 students from the six feeder pattern schools of Miami Beach joined the renowned artist himself to learn the importance of preserving all forms of waters, from our oceans, to channels, to rain drops. Wyland and his new “Youth Ambassadors for the Planet” then put their new learnings into action, painting two large-scale murals of scenic landscapes. The program was a great success and the kids were energized in fun and creative ways.
Over the course of the event, I was able to spend a lot of time with Wyland to understand his mission of “Arts, Community, Conservation”. What more beautiful way to honor the environment than through art? His passion takes him on journeys around the globe, and we’re so blessed to have his award-winning work within our very own city. As one of the 21st century’s most influential artists, we have much to learn from his success of combining work and passion with a love for the very environment in which we work and live.
Even more exciting, our new relationship will continue, as we have made the student mural initiative an annual program. We look forward to working with him and his team to meet the Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. I hope, that the new Wyland/student murals, remind us of our individual roles in conservation and the vast potential our combined efforts hold in maintaining our island paradise for generations to come.
