One of Avalon’s most beloved and photographed landmarks has been given new life, blending old Catalina history with fresh artistic vision for a new generation of visitors.
The iconic Marlin Club mermaid and merman doors — long considered a legendary photo opportunity for locals and tourists alike — have officially been reimagined and restored by local Catalina artist Susan George, who was commissioned by the current owners of the Marlin Club to breathe new energy into the famous doors while preserving its nostalgic charm.
Originally created in the 1950s, by Catalina artist Bud Upson, the whimsical doors became part of Avalon folklore, drawing visitors from around the world who lined up to place their faces through the circular portholes for playful photographs and unforgettable memories. Over the years, the doors evolved into more than artwork — they became a Catalina tradition.
Now, after years of wear and fading, the historic doors have undergone a dramatic transformation.
The restoration process showcases striking “before and after” changes, revealing how the once weathered and aging doors were revived into vibrant nautical artwork once again. Rich metallic finishes, ocean-inspired tones, detailed scales, flowing hair, and enhanced art deco styling now give the mermaid and merman renewed life while still honoring the original spirit of Bud Upson’s design.
Susan George, who has lived on Catalina Island for more than a decade, said the project was deeply personal.
“These doors are part of Catalina history,” George explained. “People have memories attached to them — birthdays, vacations, friendships, family traditions. I wanted to preserve that feeling while giving them a fresh artistic life for years to come.”
The Marlin Club itself has long stood as one of Avalon’s most colorful gathering spots, attracting generations of visitors — including famous Hollywood legends rumored to have frequented the establishment and Catalina nightlife over the years, including Marlon Brando, John Wayne, and Natalie Wood.
In addition to restoring the famous doors, George also created and refreshed surrounding underwater mural work throughout the interior, adding vibrant sea life, kelp forests, marlin, yellowtail, and ocean scenery that further immerses guests into Catalina’s nautical spirit.
Above the Marlin Club bar hangs another meaningful piece known as “Marlina the Marlin Mermaid,” a brunette life-size mermaid, dedicated by Susan George to her daughter. According to George, the piece was inspired by a childhood dream her daughter often shared.
“She always said she wanted to grow up to be a mermaid,” George said. “So Marlina became a tribute to imagination, beauty, and the magic Catalina has always carried.”
Today, the restored Marlin Club doors are once again becoming one of Avalon’s most talked-about attractions — drawing locals, tourists, and social media visitors eager to recreate the classic Catalina photo tradition.
For longtime islanders, the restoration represents more than paint and metal.
It represents memory, history, and the continuation of an exclusively unique Catalina legacy.