Before sinking, June 7, off Deerfield’s pier.
By Rachel Galvin
On Sunday, June 7, a large crowd gathered on Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier to get a glimpse of the Rapa Nui Reef being sunk. This public art project consisting of 15 Moai heads, molded after the statues found in Easter Island made by the ancient Polynesian people, had made its trek from Stuart, FL and found its way down the Intracoastal Waterway on Friday to dock at Two Georges before heading to the Atlantic for the sinking.
The Rapa Nui Reef was created by artist Dennis MacDonald following the vision of benefactor Margaret Blume.
After sinking, June 7, off Deerfield’s pier.
When the reef went down, with the barge it sat upon, it appeared to tip over. It appears to have ended up upside down at the bottom with some of the statues breaking off. It is unknown what type of repairs will be attempted at this time.
Boats surrounded the barge to capture the excitement and divers videotaped below. (To find out more about how the barge was sunk, read Nautical Views in this week’s paper).
The event on the end of the pier was emceed by Jim “Chiefy” Mathie and several dignitaries spoke, including Mayor Jean Robb, who declared it Margaret Blume day, Commissioners Joe Miller (Dist. 1), Gloria Battle (Dist. 2), Richard Rosenzweig (Dist. 3) and Vice Mayor Bill Ganz (Dist. 4), as well as County Commissioner Chip LaMarca and Marti McGeary, 2nd vice president of The Woman’s Club.
The Rapa Nui Reef comes down the Intracoastal, Friday, June 5, toward Two Georges in Deerfield Beach.
Steve Scaggs, owner of Two Georges, stands next to Arlinton Pavan, owner of Dixie Divers (seated), at fundraiser at Two Georges Saturday, June 6.
Artist Dennis MacDonald with his Rapa Nui Reef, Friday, June 5.
Special themed drink–Naked Moai, was available this weekend at Two Georges and other local locales.
The weekend was filled with activities, including a Pier Clean-Up by Dixie Divers (and Arlinton Pavan, who was instrumental in finding the barge, as well as supervising, coordinating and videotaping the sinking), a fundraiser for Public Art at Two Georges on Saturday night, including a silent auction and dinner, as well as a Moai ice sculpture. The restaurant even served a special drink for the occasion, the Naked Moai, with Naked Turtle Rum, Mango, Pineapple and Coconut Water. Their Happy Hour on Friday was also popular. The Woman’s Club, who sponsored the event, also sold T-Shirts to benefit Public Art.
SEE MORE PICS in this week’s paper.
Jim “Chiefy” Mathie emcees at sinking event Sunday, June 7.
Marti McGeary, president of The Woman’s Club, presents benefactor Margaret Blume with a thank you and a plaque, Saturday, June 6.
