On Sunday, community members gathered at Old Ben Park for the dedication of Epicenter, a stunning new sculpture by artist Casey Parlette, now on display through the first week of January.
The dedication event featured a special presentation by Casey Parlette, who was joined by his son, Brooks. The artist shared insights into the creative process behind Epicenter, which highlights his expertise in blacksmithing and metal fabrication. From his Laguna Beach studio, Parlette carefully crafted the sculpture using both bronze and stainless steel, aiming to evoke the intricate beauty of marine life. He explained that the design was inspired by the textures of ocean creatures—ranging from mussels and starfish to abalone, anemones, and octopus—with elements of undersea movement by flowing kelp, shark, and fish.
Epicenter serves as a tribute to the richness and vitality of ocean ecosystems. Parlette encouraged attendees to walk around, through and immerse themselves in the piece, emphasizing how each shift in perspective reveals new and captivating details. He thanked City of Avalon staff and the MPA Collaborative Network for their efforts in bringing the sculpture to Catalina Island.
Calla Allison, Founder and Director of the MPA Collaborative Network, and Lauren Czarnecki Oudin, Co-Chair of the Catalina Island MPA Collaborative, provided educational materials on the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Santa Catalina Island. They highlighted the two MPAs within Avalon: Casino Dive Park State Marine Conservation Area and Lover’s Cove State Marine Conservation Area. Both areas are “no-take” zones, meaning the injury, damage, or removal of any marine life, geological, or cultural resources is prohibited—except for recreational fishing via hook-and-line at the Cabrillo Mole. Despite initial controversy upon their establishment in 2012, these MPAs have proven successful in providing safe havens for marine life and are popular destinations for underwater exploration.
Jocelyn Francis, Assistant City Manager, expressed her gratitude about the collaboration between Casey Parlette, the City of Avalon, and the MPA Collaborative Network, which made the Epicenter sculpture a reality on Catalina Island. She extended her appreciation to Mayor Anni Marshall, a long-time proponent of public art, City Council, and City Manager David Maistros for their vision and support; and the Public Works team for their help in transporting the 800-pound sculpture to Old Ben Park. Francis stated Epicenter not only captivates the eye but sparks conversation and reflection, a testament to the power of art to inspire and bring communities together.
Following the presentation, community members had the opportunity to meet with Casey Parlette and learn more about the significance of Marine Protected Areas. For additional information about Epicenter and MPAs around Catalina Island, visit www.cityofavalon.gov/EPICENTER.
Casey Parlette is an internationally recognized sculptor based in Laguna Beach, California, whose distinctive works in metal, wood, and stone bridge the worlds of art, marine science, and environmental advocacy.
Through his mastery of wood carving, stone carving, blacksmithing, and metal fabrication, Parlette creates sculptures that harmonize with their surroundings while offering transformative new perspectives on our relationship with the natural world.
