This press release went out today. The level of interest regarding the outcome of this issue has been amazing to experience, and I wanted the Rostrafarians to see the full and reasonable resolution that was reached and announced today. Whatever her future, it appears that this chapter in her saga is coming to a conclusion.
June 21, 2011
Mosaic Mural on Encinitas Blvd. & Rail Underpass
Mark Patterson, the artist and owner of the “Save the Ocean” mosaic that has been come to be known as “The Surfing Madonna” placed on the Encinitas Boulevard/rail bridge underpass has reached an agreement with the City of Encinitas to remove the art work from its present location on the underpass wall so it may be relocated elsewhere.
Under the terms of the agreement reached in negotiations between the City and Mr. Patterson’s attorney Anton Gerschler, Mr. Patterson will:
- Remove the mosaic as soon as reasonably possible and obtain a City-issued encroachment permit at his cost;
- If necessary, pay for a safety inspection of the bridge underpass at his cost not to exceed $5,300 by the North County Transit District (NCTD) or a NCTD designated consultant;
- Pay for any repairs to the bridge underpass directly caused by the placement or removal of the mosaic;
- Reimburse the City $2,125 for the cost of the art conservancy firm, Sculpture Conservation Studio, retained to evaluate how to remove the art work without damaging it;
- Pay an administrative fine of $500 to the City; and
- Refrain from placing any works of art on public property without City authorization.
- The City acknowledges that Mr. Patterson retains ownership of the mosaic and acknowledges the artist’s preference to re-locate the “Save the Ocean” mosaic to a new location within Encinitas.
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