Flute-playing Mermaid

Feb. 26, 2022: Flute-playing mermaid statue is silhouetted against an overcast sky at Sloter Point in Ventura, California. The 20 foot-tall sculpture, installed in 2010, greets boats entering Ventura Harbor. A similar cello-playing mermaid, dedicated in 2017, occupies a location on the south side of the Ventura Harbor entrance.

Russian immigrant Alec Benke purchased the mermaid statues in 2005 from the World Decor outlet in Downey, California. They were up for auction after the original buyer backed out. A contractor, Benke, build the pedestals for both statues. Photo taken with Lensbaby Trio/Sweet lens.