HONOLULU – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian Islands National Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary has named marine artist Patrick Ching as the 2021-2022 Sanctuary Artist in Residence.
“I am grateful and honored to be the Shrine Artist in Residence,” said Ching. “I look forward to working to make sure good things happen that will support the goals of the NOAA Hawaiian Islands National Humpback Whale Sanctuary. “
The Sanctuary’s Artist-in-Residence Program recognizes a professional artist who works with the Sanctuary to help continue its mission of protecting humpback whales in Hawaiian waters. Previous artists who have donated their time, energy and artistic expertise to help promote the shrine and its work include contemporary American artist Robert Lyn Nelson.
“We are honored, delighted and excited to be working with someone of the caliber of Patrick Ching,” said Allen Tom, Superintendent of the Hawaiian Islands National Humpback Whale Sanctuary. “As an artist, his work is instantly recognized throughout Hawai’i, and as a naturalist and biologist, he has a unique understanding of the importance and significance of marine and terrestrial wildlife.”
Throughout 2021, Ching will be working on a number of projects, including hosting a webinar for teachers and students on how to draw Hawaiian marine life, a marine life mural on Kaua’i and possibly a visit to nearby island communities of Moloka’i. and Lana’i where the shrine has pre-existing partnerships with community groups. Activities will remain flexible, depending on the restrictions presented by COVID-19.
In March 2021, the Sanctuary, in conjunction with the Waikiki Aquarium, will host a two-day workshop for oceanic classroom teachers. A webinar will follow, which will be hosted by Ching, with lessons on how to draw marine life.
Ching also hosts a regular TV show, “Painting in Paradise,” on local cable channel Spectrum.
The sanctuary is administered by a partnership between the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the Aquatic Resources Division of the State Department of Lands and Natural Resources. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. He is present on Facebook.
For more information, see hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/.
