Community Corner
Group Formed to Replicate 'Surfing Madonna' Art On California's Coastline
The group hopes to raise money for the art installations across the state. The first major fundraising event will be The Surfing Madonna Save The Ocean 5-10K Beach Run, which will take place in Encinitas on Nov. 16.
When artist Mark Peterson's mosaic "Surfing Madonna" was stealthily installed under an Encinitas overpass in 2011, it sparked much debate. Many residents thought it fun, creative and a great way to remind people to "Save the Oceans."
Others thought it an eyesore, including many city officials, who removed the mosaic thereafter, after a drawn out back and forth.
Now, the visage of Our Lady of Guadalupe catching waves is in the news again, as a nonprofit group – led by Patterson and others – has formed with the idea of replicating Patterson's work and spreading the message of awareness to problem's the world's oceans face, including pollution and trash disposal.
According to U-T San Diego, the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project will enable artists to create their own versions of his piece. It is hoped that these works will be displayed up and down the California coast.
“We want to start waking people up to the issues facing the world’s oceans,” Patterson told the newspaper.
The first artist who will interpret "Surfing Madonna" is Susanna Holt, who specializes in bronze sculptures. It is hoped that her work will be installed on private land near Mavericks Beach or Ghost Tree Beach in Pebble Beach, according to U-T San Diego.Patterson's original now hangs on Coast Highway in Leucadia, between Cafe Ipe and Surfy Surfy.
The group endeavors to raise money for the art installations across the state. The first major fundraising event will be The Surfing Madonna Save The Ocean 5-10K Beach Run, which will take place in Encinitas on Nov. 16.
More information on the group can be found at www.surfingmadonna.org.
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