Huntington Beach Tribute

The Harman Report:
June 2009 Capitol Comment: We Have a Winner!
HB Tribute, a painting by Huntington Beach Artist Joshua Serafin has been selected as the 35 th Senate District’s entry into the annual Senate Art Competition.
HB Tribute by Joshua Serafin. Huntington Beach native Joshua Serafin painted HB Tribute in honor of the city’s 100th year anniversary. The painting, an historical journey through the life and culture of Huntington Beach, is done in Joshua Serafin’s signature “Surf Culture” style of painting.

HB Tribute highlights different eras in Huntington Beach history. The lower right hand corner of the painting depicts the 1904 construction of the very first pier. Interestingly, the wooden pier was constructed using a steam driven pile driver. Look to the left corner of the painting to see the sky-scraping oil rigs, known as strip steel rigs, that were prominent throughout the 1920’s and 30’s along the city’s coastline. In the 1930’s and 40’s it was also common to see men and women dressed in suits and gowns lined along the pier fishing.

No picture of Huntington Beach would be complete with out acknowledging the End Café, first built in 1930, rebuilt in 1940, and rebuilt yet again in the 1980’s. The artist, Joshua Serafin, readily admits this was one of his favorite childhood eateries. He claims they had the best hot chocolate, strips and cheese. Of course the focal point of the painting is the ocean – the enjoyment and appreciation of which will always be a part of Huntington Beach.

Mr. Serafin’s painting honors our city’s history with vibrant colors, a unique style and touches of whimsy. Please take a minute to enjoy this one of a kind tribute to Huntington Beach by Joshua Serafin. To learn more about Huntington Beach, please visit www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us. To learn more about artist Joshua Serafin and his art, please visit www.artbyserafin.com.

HB Tribute was displayed in the area behind the Senate Chambers, known as the Maddy Lounge, from 2009 through 2010.