“Think globally and act locally”. This is the philosophy of internationally renowned marine artist, Ron Steven, better known as Rogest in the art and diving world. There is no better place to put those words into action, than in the Midwest at the culturally diverse Larkin High School (LHS), where glimpses of the outside world and opportunities for exposure outside the community are extremely limited. Elgin is a microcosm where hopes of the American dream are as many as the detours and obstacles that youth encounter reaching them.
SDI Master Instructor and S.T.A.R.S. International founder Kevin Vaughn derived a creative method to introduce life skills, marine education, and art through collaboration with Rogest. The developmental needs of the students and the outreach of Rogest have come together this year in parallel to a 2-year agreement with Larkin High School to host a unique mentoring program that beckoned Rogest’s support. By combining this unique scuba mentoring program with the art world and marine education the opportunity has been created to reach many people worldwide to encourage them to protect and conserve the world’s oceans.
Rogest has generously offered his time and talent through his widely successful Kid’s Gallery Program to help LHS students spread the message of marine conservation. Rogest will be at Larkin High School on January 17/18 working with the students to create individual marine art in the unique Rogest dot style of painting modeling from the stunning photographic work of Lynn Funkhouser. Through creating these artworks students will also learn more about the marine life they chose to paint; discover new ways to conserve; and learn how they can do more to protect 75% of the planet, the oceans.
These paintings along with student’s descriptions will be on display at OurWorldUnderwater (Scuba Expo-Stephens Convention Center, February 19th-21st along with Rogest original paintings. Attendees of the Scuba Expo will have the opportunity to show their support for our future divers by bidding on these unique paintings which will fund the 2010 S.T.A.R.S. International program being run at LHS for an estimated 50 students. The aim of this collaboration between Rogest, LHS, and the Scuba Expo is to promote local action, awareness, and future conservation of the world’s aquatic resources.
Our mission is to encourage the community to partner in educating and involving our future generations in the ocean conservation movement. Through supporting their education and encouraging tomorrow’s leaders to preserve and protect their marine environment globally, we are creating ripples in the community reinforcing the necessity of protecting the oceans for future generations.
Larkin High School Contact:
Dr. Jon Tuin – e-mail: JonTuin@u-46.org Phone: (847) 888-5200
Rogest : www.Rogest.com S.T.A.R.S.: www.STARSInternational.org Scuba Expo: OurWorldUnderwater.com