Local Boy Wins Grand Prize For Wyland's Annual Art Classes

DANA POINT, CA — A grand prize winner was announced for Wyland's Whale and Dolphin Adventure Art Lessons in the Wild, Dana Wharf representatives announced this week.

Laguna Niguel resident Andrew Wang, 12, won the 2023 Grand Prize framed and signed artwork by Wyland called "Hope for the Sea," valued at over $2,500.

Wyland’s original painting, “Hope for the Sea,” gives the viewer an ethereal glimpse into the undersea world of a trio of dolphins against the backdrop of a colorful reef.

“The light reaching down to the coral reef reminds us of the living giving sun,” Wyland told Patch. “Without the light, the coral reef could not grow and support the vibrant life that thrives among the reef. I think, for me, the light is a symbol of hope for the future of these incredible undersea ecosystems.”

Wang, a Niguel Hills Middle School student, participated in the Wyland Whale and Dolphin Adventure Art Lesson package, which included an art lesson via video feed by environmental artist Wyland and a free two-hour whale watching adventure.

The fee was $15 per child and was donated directly to the Wyland Foundation.

According to Dana Wharf representatives, Wyland judged all children's artwork entires as well as the Runner-Up Winners, which include: Kaylee Guerra (4), Jens Dewey (8), and Jack Markle (12) are winners with packages that include, Whale Watching tickets for two, a Wyland Foundation Hat made from recycled plastic water bottles, and their entry framed.