Welcome the Whimsical “Reef Rider”
Photographs taken by Jessie Lee Photography
The sands of Pompano Beach now host a touch of magic! The City's Public Art Program proudly presents "Reef Rider," the latest enchanting addition to our beachside landscape. This glorious seahorse sculpture is the vision of Andrew "Drew" Shook, the acclaimed artist known as the Velvet Anvil. Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, Shook was commissioned by the City to craft this large-scale masterpiece.
For the next year, "Reef Rider" will delight beachgoers before embarking on its final, watery destination: the Lady Luck within Shipwreck Park's captivating underwater art exhibition. This installation marks the third wave of artistic endeavors for the City’s innovative Underwater Sculpture Garden.
"Reef Rider" springs from a deep love for the ocean and the captivating wonder of childhood. It brings to life the whimsical dream of riding a seahorse, a fantasy shared by young and old. The sculpture's design echoes the timeless charm of wooden puzzles, now realized in an awe-inspiring, life-sized form. Given the prevalence of seahorses in our region, Pompano Beach is thrilled to welcome this unique aquatic ambassador.
Shook hopes his creation will resonate deeply with viewers, fostering a greater understanding of our oceans and their delicate ecosystems. He emphasizes the critical need for marine conservation, envisioning "Reef Rider" as a beacon of mindfulness, inspiring future generations to protect our seas, and fostering pride in Pompano's newest underwater resident.
“The most important impact I hope this sculpture evokes is to bring awareness to the sea and what lives in the sea,” stated Shook. “We need to care for it, and all of the creatures and aquatic life we hold dear. Let this sculpture be a beacon for that mindfulness and let it inspire the younger generations whom it touches, to make that an important part of their lives; and to also let the City of Pompano be proud of its newly-acquired aquatic pal."
The Lady Luck, a 324-foot tanker intentionally submerged 1 ½ miles offshore in 2016, stands as a thriving artificial reef and the centerpiece of Shipwreck Park. This significant addition to Florida's artificial reef system is a nationally recognized and easily accessible major dive site. Shipwreck Park, a non-profit organization, encompasses 16 other wreck sites, creating an underwater cultural arts park rich with marine life and featuring rotating art installations. Dedicated to coral reef preservation and conservation through artificial reefs and public art, Shipwreck Park offers unparalleled diving experiences for visitors from near and far. Learn more at https://shipwreckparkpompano.org/.
*Use of the sculpture for seating is allowed at the viewer’s own risk. The City of Pompano Beach accepts no responsibility for accidents or injuries resulting from such use.
