Discover Long Island Unveils Interactive Mural in Long Beach

Photo caption: (From L-R) Ian Danby, Long Beach Chamber of Commerce; Donna M. Gayden, Long Beach City Manager; Cliff Skudin, Skudin Surf; John Bendo, Long Beach City Council; Laura Curran, Nassau County Executive; Kristen Reynolds, Discover Long Island; Kara Hoblin, Artist; Denise Ford, Nassau County Legislator; Kevin Devlin, Representative – Congresswomen, Kathleen Rice; Mary Joy Pipe, Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce; Barbara Ransome, Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

In collaboration with the City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Discover Long Island today unveiled a new, interactive mural created by Greenpoint native and local artist, Kara Hoblin. “The Long Beach Osprey Wings” mural, which depicts many of Long Island’s most beloved North Shore and South Shore landmarks, was designed as a special attraction for people to share with friends.

Located at the Skudin Surf Club at One Riverside Blvd on the Long Beach Boardwalk, the 8 ft. x 10 ft. mural is the second Long Island “Wings” installation designed by Hoblin and commissioned by Discover Long Island. The first, which was launched in December, 2020, is located at 142 E. Main Street in Port Jefferson Village.

“This spring, Long Island residents and visitors are feeling more secure about venturing out and Discover Long Island continues to create unique and innovative incentives to attract those people to our downtowns and local businesses,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO, Discover Long Island. “By bringing the popular national trend of street art to Long Island with the Osprey Angel Wings mural we hope to drive foot traffic to downtowns, highlight local art, create a social media campaign that can be widely shared and boost community pride in the place we call home.”

Community residents, visitors and locals are encouraged to stand in front of the beautiful Wings mural and take and share a photo tagging #discoverlongisland.

“Long Island’s downtowns are the place to be this summer. The pandemic has been devastating for our main streets, but Nassau County is opening up and bouncing back. Working together, let’s do all we can to promote and support our local businesses. Thank you Discover Long Island, the City of Long Beach, and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and artist Kara Hoblin for this wonderful collaboration in support of our local small businesses,” Laura Curran, Nassau County Executive.

On hand to help unveil the Wings mural today on the Long Beach Boardwalk was Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO, Discover Long Island; Artist Kara Hoblin; Cliff Skudin, President, Skudin Surf; Will Skudin, Vice President, Skudin Surf; Nassau County Executive Laura Curran; Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford; Long Beach City Council President John Bendo; Ian Danby, Chairman of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce; and Barbara Ransome, Director of Operations for the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

The overarching shape of the Osprey Wings mural were derived from the wings of the indigenous Osprey, for which Long Island has one of the densest populations of active nest in New York State. Hoblin evoked the spirit of Long Island with design details that include our storied lighthouses, fields of sunflowers, vineyards, maritime history and more.

“I am honored to be a part of this project with Discover Long Island, Long Beach and Port Jefferson Village,” said mural artist, Kara Hoblin. “As a Long Island native, my art showcases the beauty of our Island and it’s wonderful to see everyone enjoying and sharing their experiences with my art on social media. 2021 is the year of living art, art you live in and art that is alive all around you and these murals are a perfect example of interactive art.”

“The City of Long Beach has always been known for its iconic boardwalk that draws visitors from around the world. This new mural adds another great reason to come see all of what Long Beach has to offer including great dining, shopping and recreational activities. Thank you, Discover Long Island, for bringing such a talented artist to our city and always supporting our businesses," Ian Danby, Chairman Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.

“Thank you Discover Long Island, Nassau County, the City of Long Beach, and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce for the dedication and support for local small businesses. It's an honor to showcase these osprey wings by artist Kara Hoblin on the Skudin Surf Club as they overlook the ocean and feel the breeze. I welcome all to come snap a photo with the wings and enjoy!” said Cliff Skudin, President, Skudin Surf.

"It's been a very difficult year and we're doing everything we can to not just restore a bit of normalcy for our residents and visitors, but enhance their Long Beach experience", said Long Beach City Council President John Bendo. "We are so grateful to our partners at Discover Long Island and the Chamber of Commerce and for the talents of Kara Hoblin in making this happen. It's a great representation of all Long Island and Long Beach have to offer and is sure to put a smile on the face of all who interact with it."