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NewsTimes of San DiegoAugust 7, 2026San Diego County

The history of the Surfing Madonna mosaic in Encinitas

Photo: Times of San Diego

This article recounts the origin of the Surfing Madonna mosaic, which appeared under a railway overpass near Coast Highway 101 in 2011. The piece depicts the Virgin of Guadalupe surfing and became a notable local landmark.

Public ArtEncinitasHistoryLocal Culture
Read the full story at Times of San Diego

Why It Matters

The mosaic represents a significant piece of local public art history in Encinitas that emerged as an unauthorized installation in 2011.

Key Facts

  • The Surfing Madonna mosaic appeared in 2011.
  • The mosaic is located under a railway overpass near Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas.
  • The artwork depicts the Virgin of Guadalupe surfing.
  • The piece is part of a series on historical roadside relics in San Diego.

Who's Mentioned

PersonRobert Nichols“Friend and collaborator who assisted in the installation of the mosaic.”OrganizationLeucadia Pizzeria“Current permanent location of the mosaic.”PersonMark Patterson“Artist who created the Surfing Madonna mosaic.”locationCoast Highway 101“The road near where the mosaic was installed.”OrganizationSurfing Madonna Oceans Project“Community group inspired by the mosaic.”locationEncinitas“City where the mosaic was installed.”