Encinitas, Calif. 'Surfing Madonna' Flakes Off The Wall...Next Stop: Oblivion?

Encinitas, Calif. 'Surfing Madonna' Flakes Off The Wall...Next Stop: Oblivion?

San Diego sheriffs blocked traffic from traveling under the bridge on Encinitas Boulevard between Coast Highway and Vulcan Avenue as crews worked on taking down the mosaic of the Virgin of Guadalupe on a surfboard. It took crews almost two hours to complete the removal, and there was no damage to the piece.

The nearly 10-by10 foot mosaic was crafted from hundreds of pieces of stones, tiles, and stained glass, but was not permitted to be constructed on the city property. 

Mark Patterson who installed the mosaic on Earth Day 2011, reached an agreement Tuesday with the city to help remove the artwork so it can be relocated somewhere else.  He paid for the removal and was on scene as a technical consultant to help crews disassemble the mosaic.

Patterson said the mosaic was not for sale and was a gift to the community. He did not disclose the new location for the piece.