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DAYS TO THE GRAND UNVEILING
Saturday 5th April 2025
Deepwater Diving Monument Update:
Exciting Progress As It Nears Completion!
If you've recently visited the waterfront in Santa Barbara, you've probably noticed the exciting work underway in preparation for the installation of the Deepwater Diving Monument. We’re thrilled to announce that construction is nearly complete!
The original sidewalk and curbing around the planted area have been removed, and deep excavations have been made to lay the foundation for the monument's plinth.
The footings have been poured, the new sidewalk is in place, and the plinth, which will support the statue, has been installed and beautifully clad in granite. Additionally, new lighting has been added to enhance the artwork and bring it to life, day and night.
On Tuesday, March 11, the stunning 8-foot-tall bronze diver statue was carefully craned into place, slightly ahead of schedule to beat the forecasted wet weather and ensure we stay on track for the unveiling on April 5. The statue is now covered and will remain wrapped until the big reveal.
What’s left to complete? Final touches, including the installation of plaques and a thorough cleaning and polishing will get the monument ready for its grand unveiling.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Matt Firestone and his team at Vernon Construction Inc., based right here in Santa Barbara, for their exceptional work on this project. Their commitment and craftsmanship have been outstanding.
We’d also like to express our deep appreciation for the support of Robert Richards, the local Landscape Architect, and Morgan Jones, the Structural Engineer, whose expertise has been invaluable.
A special thanks to Mike Wiltshire, Director of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront Department, and his entire team for their unwavering support throughout this journey. We truly couldn't have reached this milestone without them.
This project is the result of a true team effort, and we can't wait to share this incredible piece of public art with the community!
The Deepwater Diving Monument will recognize and celebrate Santa Barbara's legacy as the birthplace of Deepwater Diving and will be gifted to the City by the Local and International Diving Communities.
Located adjacent to the Santa Barbara Harbor, this long overdue monument will depict a professional diver, circa 1982 “Going to Work", wearing the locally made and world-standard Kirby Morgan® Superlite® 17 Diving Helmet.
To read more about Santa Barbara's diving history click HERE.
The Project is being funded by the sale of Limited Edition, Certified, Fine-Art Bronze Statuettes sculpted by California-based artist, Greg Polutanovich and by Charitable Donations through The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM).
SBMM (a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation) is acting as the fiduciary fiscal agent for the project, it is located in Santa Barbara, California on the Waterfront adjacent to the planned location of the Monument.
The purchase of a Deepwater Diving Monument Limited Edition Statuette will also include a certificate of authenticity, a numbered challenge coin in a presentation box, and a VIP invite for the owner and a guest to the Monument unveiling event.
Prices of statuettes will increase as the project progresses.
Greg's remarkable talent can be seen in the detail and historical accuracy of the Mark V Monument Statuette (left) and the Military Diver Memorial Statuette (right) alongside the Deepwater Diving Monument Statuette (Center).
An impression of the bronze plaque that will be attached to the Monument base, commemorating Santa Barbara as the birthplace of deepwater diving.
The planned location for the Monument is on the the harbor front HERE and will allow excellent visibility from the road, harbor parking lot and adjacent sidewalks.
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