ENCINITAS (CBS 8) - Like the ocean, the Surfing Madonna is once again in motion. The world famous North County artwork has a new location, and the man behind it says he's hoping this place will be her final stop.
The Surfing Madonna's creator, artist Mark Patterson, is thrilled his stained glass masterpiece appears to have found a permanent home back in Encinitas.
"It's right across the street from its original location. A lot of people are going to be able to see the message as they head down to Moonlight Beach," Patterson said.
Until Tuesday, the 10-by-10 mosaic was hanging at its second stop on North Coast Highway in Leucadia on a wall next to a cafe and a surf shop.
"A lot of people just didn't know where it was. As we talked over things, we decided that it was probably a good idea to look at other options," Patterson explained.
Now just outside Leucadia Pizzeria, the infamous work will be passed by an estimated 16,000 to 18,000 vehicles a day near one of the city's busiest intersections.
"That blue water you see is iridescent, and we actually had to go back up to L.A. to get another couple of sheets of that glass to do the restoration," Patterson said.
Rancho Bernardo resident Sara Lowdermilk and her parents snapped several pictures of the precious piece.
"You know I think she looks beautiful up there, I like the message and everything, "Save the Ocean," and I'm Catholic so I like seeing Mary up there on the building," she said.
Mark Patterson is confident his work will be at this new location for many years.
On November 16 there will be a Surfing Madonna 5k/10k beach run-walk, with $8,000 in prize money up for grabs.