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IN THE NEWS

MARINA – Two CSU Monterey Bay students have taken their talents and intellect to blank surfaces, artistically depicting endangered species throughout a park in Marina, in an effort to call attention to the animals’ plight. Rachel Rye and Anthony Miller, working with Save The Whales as their community service partner, recently completed their project of transforming 10 concrete trash cans throughout Locke-Paddon Park with visages of five species in need of protection. The organization and the city of Marina are proud to announce the completion of the endangered species art project and invite the public to view the work by the two university students.

 “I have always enjoyed drawing and all kinds of art,” said Rye. “My family has been very supportive of my artistic endeavors throughout my childhood and even now. I have memories of going to my grandparents’ house and finger painting.” Rye said that many Christmas and birthday gifts were art supplies and her first art classes were at West Valley College in Saratoga which inspired her to seriously pursue art in the last couple of years. “It was great to be able to do something visible, and to bring awareness to endangered and local marine species,” said Rye. “I’m so glad people are enjoying the work Anthony and I did in the park.” Miller is a Marine Science Major and is expecting to graduate in 2021.  “Coloring books with my mom are some of my earliest memories, but I started doing art on my own when I was 7,” said Miller. “Hearing about the vaquita from Save The Whales and the other endangered animals inspired me to work my style on new subjects. It was nice to do something different.” The endangered species include the vaquita porpoise, sea otter, snowy plover, monarch butterfly and Smith’s butterfly. The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal in the world with only 12 remaining in the Upper Gulf of California, Baja, Mexico, and was a must to be included. “Anthony’s and Rachel’s artwork on the 10 bin locations in the park is beautiful and helps us all appreciate the nature around us,” said Bruce Delgado, Marina mayor. “What a wonderful addition to our community.”

Delgado planted the seed for the project and participated by adding the clear-coat sealing of the artwork. “This artwork combines the unique talents of Rachel Rye and Anthony Miller and depicts how art and science can bring awareness to species that need protection and support,” said Maris Sidenstecker, Save The Whales co-founder and executive director. Sidenstecker said the city’s maintenance crew, the mayor, fellow students who helped prep the receptacle surfaces, and Miller and Rye, all deserve a big thanks. The two CSUMB students will be recognized at a Marina City Council meeting in September.