Center School’s diamondback terrapin, left, was displayed in front of a painting inspired by the turtle, while marine biologist and wildlife artist Nick Mayer, right, taught students watercolor painting techniques during a workshop on June 5. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — A tiny turtle named Jellybean and an artist with a marine biology background recently inspired Center School students to new levels of appreciation for aquatic life.
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Dr. Linda Ashley are pleased to share that Center School students in the second and third grades received an interactive lesson on Friday, June 5, from Nick Mayer, a marine biologist turned wildlife artist, focused on the school’s diamondback terrapin. Mayer made a bright, detailed, eye-catching painting of Jellybean the diamondback terrapin using watercolors and he showed the students how to do so as well.
Later that afternoon, Mayer helped release the school’s terrapin back into the wild, together with the help of the Northeast Coastal Wildlife Alliance.
“Thank you so much for inviting us to your school to teach your students how to paint your diamondback terrapin, Jellybean,” said Mayer. “It was such a fun and meaningful experience. I think the entire event tells a beautiful story about the connection between conservation and art. My goal as an artist is to inspire a deeper appreciation for this world’s remarkable creatures, with the hope that this appreciation grows into conservation, empathy and a greater desire to protect them. That is why I volunteer my time to lead workshops like this.”
Mayer did three free workshops with more than 90 Center School students, while also promoting the Nick Mayer Wildlife Fund, which aims to protect marine life and restore ocean ecosystems by combining the emotional power of art with targeted conservation efforts. For more information on Mayer’s work, go to nickmayerwildlifefund.org.
This event was made possible by Ben Squire, Science Specialist at the Center School and Old Hammondtown School, who collaborated with Mayer to bring this unique learning experience to the students.
“This was an incredible experience for our students that combined science, art and environmental stewardship in a way that was engaging and accessible,” said Principal Ashley. “It was amazing to see such engaged, active participation among our students during this event. Thank you to our guest Nick Mayer for providing these workshops. Our students were excited to learn more about diamondback terrapins, create their own artwork and participate in an experience that helped them better understand the importance of protecting wildlife and coastal ecosystems.”
“We are grateful to Nick Mayer for sharing his expertise and passion with our students,” said Superintendent Nelson. “I’d also like to thank Ben Squire from the Center School for facilitating this opportunity for our students. Opportunities like these help bring classroom learning to life and inspire curiosity, creativity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.”
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Center School students create watercolor paintings of a diamondback terrapin during a workshop led by marine biologist and wildlife artist Nick Mayer on June 5. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Marine biologist and wildlife artist Nick Mayer visits with Center School students as they work on watercolor paintings of a diamondback terrapin, offering guidance and artistic tips during a workshop on June 5. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
A Center School students assisted with the release of the school’s diamondback terrapin alongside representatives of the Northeast Coastal Wildlife Alliance and marine biologist Nick Mayer on June 5. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
A Center School student participated in the release of the school’s diamondback terrapin following a day of lessons on wildlife, art and marine conservation. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District)
The Center School’s diamondback terrapin was held in front of a painting inspired by the turtle. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Marine biologist and wildlife artist Nick Mayer visited with Center School students as they work on watercolor paintings of a diamondback terrapin, offering guidance and artistic tips during a workshop on June 5. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Center School’s diamondback terrapin is shown in its aquarium prior to being released on June 5 with assistance from the Northeast Coastal Wildlife Alliance and marine biologist Nick Mayer. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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