A stunning, large-scale mermaid sculpture has appeared along San Francisco's iconic waterfront, immediately drawing crowds of tourists and locals who gather to photograph the shimmering metallic artwork. The ornate statue, positioned at Pier 1 1/2 just north of the San Francisco Ferry Building, attracted swarms of French tourists who were busy taking pictures and examining its gleaming scales during Tuesday morning hours. Visitors lined up nearby, waiting for their turn to capture selfies with the impressive sculpture.
The magnificent artwork, named "Coralee," is the creation of artist Dana Albany, who specializes in producing massive metallic sculptures and intricate mosaic work. According to Albany's official website, the mermaid sculpture is constructed from recycled glass and mixed metals, demonstrating both artistic vision and environmental consciousness. The piece showcases Albany's signature style of combining large-scale metallic elements with sustainable materials.
Coralee has an international background, having been originally created at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, England. The sculpture was previously featured as part of the "Radical Horizons Exhibit: The Art of Burning Man" exhibition. Albany's website explains that "this mesmerizing creature emerges from the past, paying homage to legend and mythical tales about mermaids once said to inhabit the landlocked region of the National Peak District in Great Britain." The artist's statement continues, noting that "in our present time, Coralee urges viewers to take a closer look at the treasures she is compiled of and perhaps contemplate current environmental issues on land and at sea."
The mermaid sculpture represents the latest installation in the Big Art project, an ambitious initiative launched by the Sijbrandi Foundation, a nonprofit organization that began bringing large-scale public art to San Francisco last year. This initiative has already placed several other impressive art pieces throughout the city, including the Naga sea serpent sculpture currently on display in Golden Gate Park. Another notable installation is "R-Evolution," a towering 50-foot statue of a naked woman positioned just a few hundred feet from Coralee, directly across from the Ferry Building.
The official unveiling ceremony for Coralee took place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, at the sculpture's location on San Francisco's Pier 1/2. During this public announcement, city officials revealed the launch of the "Big Art Loop," an ambitious new initiative designed to bring 100 temporary large-scale sculptures to San Francisco over the next three years. This expansive program aims to transform the city's public spaces through rotating art installations.
"Coralee was born from wonderful collaboration and community," said artist Dana Albany, who attended the unveiling ceremony. She explained the community involvement in the creation process, noting, "We worked with local schoolchildren in England who helped craft her glass scales from recycled bottles. As a San Francisco artist, I'm excited to see how she'll transform the waterfront and inspire new conversations." Albany's emphasis on collaboration highlights the sculpture's role in bringing communities together through art.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who was present at the ceremony, emphasized the cultural and economic impact of such artistic initiatives. "Arts and culture events are fueling San Francisco's comeback," Mayor Lurie stated. He further explained the broader vision for the program, saying, "Big Art Loop will bring creativity back into our neighborhoods, connect people through activated public spaces, and drive our economy." The mayor's comments reflect the city's commitment to using public art as a tool for urban revitalization and community engagement.
