by Judy Sullivan
On Saturday, October 16, State Parks Director Ruth Coleman came to Morro Bay for the dedication of the marine mammal mural at the Museum of Natural History. Along with Director Coleman, other Parks' staff members were on hand for the celebration, including Juvie Ortiz, Coastal Superintendent, Mary Golden, Executive Director CCNHA, and the Museum's manager, Rouvaishyana.
The group of supporters who had come out for the ribbon cutting ceremony were enthusiastic as they listened to speakers discuss the mural's planning and evolution. A collaboration between State Parks and the Central Coast Natural History Association (CCNHA), this wonderful work of art will serve as a teaching tool for Museum visitors, especially for the groups of school children who visit the Museum.
CCNHA has spent the last year raising $12,000 for the mural, which has been in the works for five years. "This is just a terrific teaching tool," says Linda Winters, School Group Docent Coordinator. "Every year, we teach 7,000 school children, many of whom have never before seen the ocean. For them to see themselves in relation to the size of a whale or elephant seal is really eye-opening."
"Many, many local people donated funds to the mural from $5 to $2,000," says Mary Golden, Executive Director of CCNHA. "This is really a community mural with community support. It will be great to show Director Coleman how much our community supports us." Diane Blakeslee Bocato closed the gap to finish funding with a $1,300 donation, and the mural was just completed this fall by noted muralist Kris Doe, who was also present and spoke to the crowd.
After the dedication, a group of Docents accompanied Director Coleman on a hike at Montana de Oro. In the evening a dinner was held in her honor. All in all, it was an exciting day about a terrific addition to the Museum.
Here to Celebrate
