Leatherback Sea Turtle Sculpture Ribbon-Cutting

Celebrate Pacific Leatherback Day at the ribbon-cutting for the 8-foot, life-size bronze leatherback sea turtle sculpture in Avila Beach. Designed by artists Pamela Blotner and John Pearson, the sculpture honors the giant, ancient mariners that cross the entire Pacific to feed off the Central Coast.

Meet at Avila Beach Community Park, adjacent to the corner of Front Street and San Juan Street. Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg will open the ceremony, Upwell Executive Director George Shillinger will give a few words of thanks, and sponsor John Swift will share a personal story about leatherbacks before cutting the ribbon.

The project was spearheaded by the Monterey-based nonprofit Upwell, with significant support from the Swift Family, the Avila Beach Tourism Alliance and the Avila Beach Community Foundation, along with other generous anonymous donors. The installation was made possible through partnerships with San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation, the Central Coast Aquarium, Gaia Graphics, the Urena-Elenes Family and Artworks Foundry.

The public is warmly invited.