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Tunaman's Memorial by Franco Vianello

Friday, 13 June 2008

Artist: Franco Vianello
Location: Shelter Island - Located southwest end of island, facing bay.
Type: Large bronze sculpture and granite marker

This sculpture is a symbol of the courage and determination of the men of the tuna fleet that once operated in the Pacific from its base in San Diego Bay. The statue represents fishermen of different ethnic backgrounds - Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Slavic - who were engaged in this fishery. A commercial fisherman himself, artist Franco Vianello invests this work with a special drama and authenticity.

The Portuguese Historical Center and others in the local fishing communities sponsored and funded this memorial, which was dedicated in October 1988. The Port of San Diego contributed the granite base and installation. The bronze sculpture weighs 9,000 pounds and stands 21-feet to the tip of the fishing pole. Its inscription reads: "Tunaman's Memorial Honoring those that built an industry and remembering those that departed this Harbor in the Sun and did not return.-Anthony Mascarenhas".