Feb. 18, 2016 – FORT LAUDERDALE, FL –Guy Harvey – artist, conservationist and entrepreneur – has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Seafarers’ House International Golden Compass Award.

The award is given each year to those who have achieved distinction in the maritime world, those whose vocation or avocation has been the sea, or those who have ministered to or otherwise assisted seafarers.

Dr. Harvey has been a champion of the seas since an early age. A student of marine biology, he has spent his life exploring the undersea world and bringing it to life on land through his art, which can be seen in galleries, onboard ships, on life-size murals and on eponymous merchandise. The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is well-known for its research in the marine biology field and the message of stewardship and conservation of our oceans.

“I am honored to be receiving this award from Seafarers’ House. The organization has done so much to make a difference in the lives of nearly 150,000 mariners each year,” said Dr. Harvey. “These seafaring men and women play an important role in our society and the Seafarers’ House offers so many services of value to the working mariner. I am pleased to be a part of recognizing their work as well.”

A self-taught artist, Dr. Harvey’s works have received recognition worldwide. Some of his larger-than-life public murals can be seen on college campuses, at airports and most recently along the hull of the entire Norwegian Cruise Line ship, Escape. His successes have allowed him to engage in many philanthropic, conservation and educational research efforts.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the work and accomplishments of this noted
marine wildlife artist and conservationist,” said Seafarers’ House Executive Director Lesley Warrick. “Guy Harvey has dedicated his life to the sea and his many philanthropic efforts have thrown into high relief the need to protect the world’s oceans. His message of stewardship and care for our oceans rings true with all of us who draw our living from the sea and care for the future of the maritime community.”

Past award recipients include international seafaring hero Captain Richard Phillips; Joseph Farrell, Resolve Marine Group; Roberto Giorgi, V.Ships; Dan Sten Olsson, Stena Sphere; Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean International; Stein Kruse, Holland America Line; Captain Nicola Arena, MSC Cruises; and Thomas B. Crowley, Jr., Crowley Maritime Corp., among others.

This year’s annual Golden Compass Gala is being held May 21, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale. It will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction to be followed by a dinner, award presentation and entertainment.

For additional information about the gala, tickets, sponsorships and underwriting options, please email [email protected] or call 954-734-1580.

ABOUT SEAFARERS’ HOUSE
Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades is a non-profit organization supported by the faith-based community as well as by labor, business and civic leaders with a mission “to offer refuge, resources, renewal and respect to the maritime community through multi-faith service.” Open throughout the year, Seafarers’ House is a safe, friendly place where mariners can connect with their families, relax, or get emergency assistance if needed. With the help of its supporters and volunteers, Seafarers’ House offers many services including low cost international phone calls, free transportation, Internet access, counseling services, liaison with authorities as well as recreational facilities. Seafarers’ House was honored as the 2015 Seafarer Advocate of the Year by Lloyd’s List North America and received the 2014 Salute to Business award from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, Seafarers’ House was honored with the Seafarers’ Center of the Year award from the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare – the first American agency to receive this international honor. Seafarers’ House annually hosts more than 150,000 visits by cruise and cargo ship crewmembers. For additional information visit www.seafarershouse.org.

ABOUT GUY HARVEY
Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, angler, diver, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. Born in Lippspringe, Germany on September 16, 1955 while his father was serving as a Gunnery Officer in the British Army, Guy is a 10th generation Jamaican of English heritage. Growing up on the south coast of Jamaica, Guy learned to fish and gained an appreciation for the marine environment from his parents, both very accomplished anglers.

IMAGE: Guy Harvey at 2016 Golden Compass Gala