Patrick Ching named whale sanctuary artist in residence

HONOLULU — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has named 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 program 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 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 work on a number of projects, including hosting a webinar for teachers and students on how to draw Hawaiian marine wildlife, a marine-wildlife mural on Kaua‘i, and possibly a visit to neighbor island communities of Moloka‘i and Lana‘i where the sanctuary has pre-existing partnerships with community groups. Activities will remain flexible, depending on restrictions presented by COVID-19.

In March 2021, 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.

Ching also hosts a regular TV program, “Painting in Paradise,” on the local Spectrum cable channel.

The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. It has a presence on Facebook.

For more information, see hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/.