Media invited to document dramatic underwater installation of Reef Rider sculpture at Pompano Beach Shipwreck Park off the Florida coast

Pompano Beach, Florida – A striking blend of art, ocean, and engineering is set to unfold off the coast of South Florida as the City of Pompano Beach prepares to unveil a new underwater sculpture in one of its most unique marine attractions.

The City of Pompano Beach and Shipwreck Park have extended an invitation to members of the media to document the installation of “Reef Rider,” a six-foot-tall seahorse sculpture that will soon become part of the underwater landscape surrounding the famous Lady Luck shipwreck.

The installation is not just a local event. It is being described as a carefully choreographed public art journey, moving from shore to sea, and finally into its permanent resting place on the ocean floor. For organizers, it represents a continuing effort to combine creativity, tourism, and environmental awareness in a single experience.

Created by artist Andrew Shook, who is professionally known as The Velvet Anvil, “Reef Rider” is the latest addition to the underwater exhibition known as Shipwreck Park Pompano. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Shook was commissioned to design, build, and install the sculpture as part of a broader initiative focused on public art and marine conservation.

The sculpture itself stands six feet tall and depicts a child riding a large seahorse. Its design draws inspiration from traditional handcrafted wooden puzzle art, but reimagined on a larger, more immersive scale. The concept blends nostalgia with ocean life, aiming to spark curiosity in viewers both above and below the waterline.

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“Reef Rider represents the love of the sea and the fascination of childhood wonderment,” said artist Andrew Shook. “I hope this sculpture inspires people of all ages to appreciate and protect the ocean and all the creatures that call it home.”

The installation marks another milestone for Shipwreck Park, which continues to grow as one of Florida’s most distinctive underwater cultural destinations. It is also the third round of sculpture projects for the Underwater Sculpture Garden and the fourth major installation placed on the Lady Luck shipwreck site.

The Lady Luck itself is a 324-foot tanker that was intentionally sunk on July 23, 2016, to serve as an artificial reef and diving attraction. Positioned approximately 1½ miles offshore, the vessel has since become the centerpiece of a wider underwater park that includes 16 additional wrecks. Over time, these structures have developed into thriving habitats for marine life, attracting divers, snorkelers, and eco-tourists from across the country.

Officials say the combination of artificial reefs and public art has helped transform the area into one of the most accessible underwater destinations in the United States. The goal is not only to attract visitors but also to highlight the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs that face increasing environmental pressures.

For the upcoming installation, media outlets will be given three separate opportunities to capture the process as it unfolds. The first will take place at the Alsdorf Boat Ramp, located at 2901 NE 14th Street, where “Reef Rider” will be lifted by crane and placed onto a vessel. Cameras are expected to capture the moment the sculpture leaves land for the final time.

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Shortly afterward, media representatives will be invited to join the on-the-water portion of the installation. From there, they will follow the vessel offshore as the sculpture is transported roughly 1½ miles out to sea and carefully submerged onto the Lady Luck wreck site.

The final stage of the process will be documented through exclusive underwater footage. Broadcast-quality video and b-roll will be made available after the installation is completed, showing “Reef Rider” descending into the ocean and taking its place within the underwater exhibit. The footage will be distributed digitally via Google Drive.

City officials and organizers emphasize that this project reflects a broader mission that goes beyond art alone. Shipwreck Park Pompano, a nonprofit organization, has built its identity around combining environmental education, conservation awareness, and tourism through underwater experiences.

By rotating new installations and sculptures into the underwater park, the organization aims to keep the site dynamic while also encouraging long-term interest in marine preservation. Each addition becomes both a visual landmark and a living part of the reef ecosystem that develops around it.

“Reef Rider” is expected to continue that tradition, adding another layer of storytelling to an already evolving underwater landscape. As the sculpture settles into its new environment, it will join a growing collection of submerged works that blur the line between art installation and artificial reef.

For visitors, divers, and marine enthusiasts, the installation represents another reason to explore the waters off Pompano Beach. For organizers, it is another step in a long-term effort to connect people with the ocean in a way that is both creative and meaningful.