NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has named world-famous marine artist Patrick Ching as 2021-22 Sanctuary Artist in Residence.
“I am thankful and honored to be the Sanctuary Artist in Residence,” Ching said. “I look forward to working to make good things happen that will support the goals of NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.”
The Sanctuary Artist in Residence recognizes a professional artist who works with the sanctuary to help further their mission of protection for humpback whales in Hawaiian waters. Previous artists who have donated their time, energies and art expertise to help promote the sanctuary and its work include American contemporary artist Robert Lyn Nelson.
“We are honored, thrilled and excited about working with someone of Patrick Ching’s caliber,” said Allen Tom, superintendent of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. “As an artist, his work is instantly recognized throughout Hawaii, and as a naturalist/biologist he has a unique understanding of the importance and significance of marine and terrestrial wildlife.”
Throughout 2021, Ching will work on a number of projects including a marine wildlife mural on Kauai, hosting a webinar for teachers and students on how to draw Hawaiian marine wildlife, and possibly visiting neighbor island communities of Molokai and Lanai where the sanctuary has pre-existing partnerships with community groups. Activities will remain flexible, depending on restrictions presented by COVID-19.
In March, the sanctuary, in conjunction with the Waikiki Aquarium, will host a two-day Ocean Classroom Teachers workshop. A webinar will follow, which will be hosted by Ching with lessons on how to draw marine wildlife.
The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the state through the Division of Aquatic Resources. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship.