Whale and Dolphin Conservation partners with local artist for art auction

PLYMOUTH, MA —

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) has partnered with local artist Erik Simmons of Scituate, MA to offer a “One Whale of an Auction” of a hand-carved whale. 

The auction will be hosted on eBay starting April 3rd and ending April 12th, 2023. 

Proceeds from the auction will benefit WDC’s landmark Marine Animal Rescue and Response (MARR) program. WDC’s MARR team act as first responders to marine mammals in distress. WDC recently announced the doubling of their response area to more than 200 miles of coastline from Plymouth to Weymouth. This is a meaningful project for Simmons to support. "Once I had settled on the Giving Whales Project, I was happy to discover that the US Headquarters for WDC was in Plymouth, not far from where I live.  My decision to partner with them was further confirmed after meeting Missy Walker and the rest of the staff at the Plymouth Headquarters.  Their dedication and enthusiasm was contagious and inspiring.  It just made sense," said Simmons.

Eric’s hand-carved whale sculptures measure 2 feet tall and 3 feet long and are made from carefully selected Eastern White Pine. The grain of the wood on each sculpture mimics the ripples of water. His sculptures are made with consideration of the ecological impact. After finishing the piece, he carefully finishes the carvings with chalk paint and gray wax. Additionally, each piece is branded with "The Giving Whales" project iron and is numbered.  Erik wants each whale he carves to raise awareness of how climate change is impacting ocean life and, additionally, to help support organizations focused on ocean and marine life conservation such as WDC.  

With the hand-carved whale, the auction winner will receive a whale adoption, WDC merch to show your support, and a one-on-one meeting with Regina Asmutis-Silvia, WDC-North America’s Executive Director. 

WDC Executive Director, Regina Asmutis-Silvia and Sarah McCormack, WDC’s Stranding Coordinator are thrilled to have WDC be the recipient of this beautiful and unique piece of art to raise funds for the MARR program. “We are grateful to partner with such a talented local artist. Money raised from this Giving Whale will directly aid in the conservation of marine mammals along the South Shore.” 

 To become the owner of this one-of-a-kind piece of art and support the work of WDC, visit the auction on eBay and place a bid! 

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC),  is the leading international charity dedicated to the conservation of whales, dolphins, and their ocean home. WDC-North America is located in Plymouth, MA and works to protect whales and dolphins through outreach, policy, and science initiatives.  

Press contact: Lisa Fosdick, Fundraising and Marketing Advisor, [email protected], (508) 746-2522