Surfing Madonna
Encyclopedia
The Surfing Madonna is a 10 by 10 foot (3 by 3 m) mosaic of the Virgen de Guadalupe created by artist and former Microsoft employee Mark Patterson. It was covertly installed in Encinitas, California
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Even though it is on an overpass structure for North County Transit District
the city of Encinitas intends to remove it. $2,000 was spent by officials for an art consultant to review how best to remove it without destroying it. They city will relinquish it to a local business or community group for them to display it.
Some members of the Catholic and Latino communities have stated that they find it offensive, while others identify with it as symbol of their Mexican heritage. The local Catholic priest is fond of the artwork, and has asked that a local church be able to display it if it is removed.
In the end the artist came forward when the city decided that as graffiti the mural had to be torn down. It was determined that the mosaic would be heavily damaged if removed, and at that point the artist came forward and reputedly compensated the city for contractors, studies, and fines. He also signed an agreement promising never to introduce such artwork without permission again.
Encinitas, California
Encinitas is a coastal beach city in San Diego County, California. Located within Southern California, it is approximately north of San Diego in North County and about south of Los Angeles. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 59,518, up from 58,014 at the 2000 census. Encinitas is...
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Virgin
It has been referred to as both artwork and vandalism. It was placed on a piece of concrete in the city over Easter weekend in 2011 by its creators posing as construction workers. The mosaic features the virgin on a white surfboard, hands in prayer with her green cloak waving in the air. The words "Save the Ocean" are displayed vertically to the left of her. The city has begun to explore its safe removal so as to preserve it, while the community has started a campaign to preserve it right where it is.Even though it is on an overpass structure for North County Transit District
North County Transit District
The North County Transit District is the agency responsible for public transportation in North San Diego County, California, United States...
the city of Encinitas intends to remove it. $2,000 was spent by officials for an art consultant to review how best to remove it without destroying it. They city will relinquish it to a local business or community group for them to display it.
Some members of the Catholic and Latino communities have stated that they find it offensive, while others identify with it as symbol of their Mexican heritage. The local Catholic priest is fond of the artwork, and has asked that a local church be able to display it if it is removed.
In the end the artist came forward when the city decided that as graffiti the mural had to be torn down. It was determined that the mosaic would be heavily damaged if removed, and at that point the artist came forward and reputedly compensated the city for contractors, studies, and fines. He also signed an agreement promising never to introduce such artwork without permission again.