New Ocean Beach banners fly with local scenes of ‘High Tides and Good Vibes’
Article by Regina Elling
March 15, 2024 8 AM PT
Thirty banners featuring 10 different pieces from seven artists depict scenes ranging from parrots and pelicans to lifeguard towers and the pier.
Colorful new banners featuring iconic Ocean Beach sights are decorating light posts around town.
More than 30 local artists submitted concepts for the banners, an annual project of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association. Each artist this year was asked to interpret the theme “High Tides and Good Vibes,” organizers said.
The association then narrowed the field to 10 different pieces from seven artists on 30 vibrant canvas banners, each 8 feet long and 30 inches wide. They feature scenes ranging from parrots and pelicans to lifeguard towers and the pier.
The banners’ street locations were chosen to enable viewers to see them when arriving in OB via Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and while walking through the business district in the 4800 to 5000 blocks of Newport Avenue.
There are 19 banners on Sunset Cliffs and 11 on Newport. They will remain until November, when holiday-themed banners will take their spots.
Artist Roberta Sutton was jogging when she first caught sight of her artwork among the new banners. “I was literally jumping up and down,” she said. “I was surprised and thrilled.”
Sutton’s depictions of lifeguard Tower 5 and a parrot are featured on different banners.
“We really live the ‘I never leave OB’ bumper sticker,” she said. “Lifeguard Tower 5 is the place on the beach we hang out the most.”
Though Sutton said she tries to paint exclusively from life, the parrot was painted from a photograph taken by a friend.
“The parrots literally will not pose for me,” she said.
