Hawaii Artist, South Bay Native Chris Barela Unveils Catalina Classic Bronze Manhattan Beach Art to Celebrate Prone Paddle Boarding
Hawaii Artist, South Bay Native Chris Barela Unveils Catalina Classic Bronze
Manhattan Beach Art to Celebrate Prone Paddle Boarding
Manhattan Beach, CA— In a landmark collaboration between Hawaii Island artist Chris Barela and the esteemed South Bay Boardriders Club, the new Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue will be unveiled 2 p.m. August 24 just south of the Manhattan Beach Pier. The public is invited to attend.
Barelaʻs third, life-size statue in the Beach Cities area was commissioned to honor the legendary Catalina Classic Paddle Board Race. Barela, a South Bay native, says the artwork “is an iconic symbol of athleticism, perseverance and the enduring spirit of the beach community.”
This awe-inspiring masterpiece promises to captivate art enthusiasts and residents alike, solidifying Barela’s reputation as a visionary artist with an unrivaled talent for creating stunning sculptures that breathe life into bronze. Barelaʻs previous works —the Tim Kelly in Hermosa Beach andthe Meistrell Brothers Statute in Redondo Beach—have already earned widespread acclaim for their exceptional realism and profound storytelling. His sculptures are renowned for transcending the boundaries of artistic expression, resonating deeply with viewers and leaving a lasting impression on the community.
Established in 1955, the Catalina Classic Paddle Board Race is a 32-mile, open-water channel crossing from Catalina Isthmus to Manhattan Beach Pier. The event epitomizes the thrill and dedication of prone paddle board enthusiasts, and now, through the talented hands of Barela, this timeless event will be etched in bronze to forever grace the coastal landscape of Manhattan Beach.
Barela, an internationally acclaimed bronze sculptor known for his exceptional ability to portray motion and emotion through his work, brings his visionary prowess to life with this breathtaking bronze sculpture. Drawing from his personal connection to the ocean after a successful professional surfing career, Barela has artfully crafted the statue to encapsulate the grace and power of prone paddlers participating in the Catalina Classic.
Over a period of two years, the statue’s lost wax casting process required Barela to travel back and forth between his design studio in Hawi in Hawaii and the Heritage Bronze art foundry in California. This latest addition to Manhattan Beach promises to become an iconic landmark, symbolizing the harmony between art and nature, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the Catalina Classic Paddle Board Race.
The South Bay Boardriders Club, renowned for their commitment to preserving and nurturing the rich surfing heritage of the region, initiated the commission “as a way to pay tribute to the spirit of camaraderie and the deep-rooted surfing culture in Southern California.” Through the collaboration with Barela, the South Bay Boardriders Club aims to immortalize the prone paddlers and the history of the iconic Catalina Classic Paddle Board Race.
“We are delighted to unveil the Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue in partnership with the talented artist Chris Barela,” said Tom Horton, president of the South Bay Boardriders Club. “This statue is a testament to the enduring spirit of the prone paddling community and the historic significance of the Catalina Classic Paddle Board Race. We hope it becomes an iconic symbol of our shared love for the ocean and the sport of prone paddle boarding.”
The unveiling event will be a festive celebration of prone paddling, art and community. Members of the South Bay Boardriders Club, local officials and prominent figures from the prone paddling world will be present to honor this remarkable achievement and the profound significance of the Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue. Members of the media, local residents and visitors are warmly invited to attend.
About Chris Barela:
Chris Barela is a renowned sculptor with a notable background in professional surfing. His deep love for the ocean has played a significant role in influencing his artistic endeavors. Since 1994, he has been honing his sculpting skills, and over the course of 30 years, has built an impressive art career.
Barela is particularly known for his marine life bronze sculptures, which have gained recognition on a global scale. His artwork has been displayed in prestigious galleries and public spaces across various countries. His unique combination of professional surfing experience and sculpting talent has given him the ability to breathe life into bronze and has earned him international acclaim and an enduring legacy as a master sculptor. For info, www.barelaart.com.
About South Bay Boardriders Club:
The South Bay Boardriders Club is dedicated to preserving the rich surfing heritage of Southern California’s South Bay. For years, the club has been committed to fostering camaraderie among surfers, promoting ocean conservation and supporting the local prone paddling community through various initiatives and events. For info, https://southbayboardriders.org.
