Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The 'Big Wave' Lights Up Santa Monica Again
Artist Tony DeLap's "Big Wave" sculpture restored and lit up (Photo courtesy the City of Santa Monica's Cultural Affairs Division)
It's considered the unofficial gateway to Santa Monica, and now artist Tony DeLap's sculpture "The Big Wave" has been restored, and is lighting up Wilshire Boulevard at Franklin Avenue.
DeLap worked with Exclusive Welding, Inc. and Rosa Lowinger & Associates after they were retained by the City of Santa Monica to restore the sculpture, which was installed in 1989. Since its installation, the piece suffered from deterioration, including rust and corrosion, and the failure of the original light system, Now, however, using LED lighting, the "Big Wave" is shining once again.
"The sculpture will be illuminated in the evening hours and is on a smart, astronomically-synced timer which will turn the lights on a half hour before sunset and off a half hour after sunrise year-round," explains the City of Santa Monica's Cultural Affairs Division.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
