Dancing and Mosaic Balls in Centennial Park

In 1910, just down the road from Centennial Park, Venetians were tearing up the floor at the enormous and popular Sunset Ballroom on Abbot Kinney Pier. (see picture)

Move your hips and follow the arrows, numbers and dance steps I painted. You're dancing the Cha Cha Cha, the Swing and the Mombo! 2011

My MOSAIC BALLS are sculptural seating that tell stories of Venice:

THE WINGED LION, or St Mark Lion, is the Symbol of The Republic of Venice. Winged Lions were originally sculpted within our iconic colonnade at the entrance of Venice Beach. As in Venice, Italy, the Lion’s tablet reads: “Pax Tibi,” Peace Be With You.

ROCKET SHIPS & FLYING SAUCERS A tribute to world renown fantasy and science fiction writer and longtime Venetian, Ray Bradbury. You’ll find Fahrenheit 451, Martian Chronicles and more of his fantastic writings in the Venice Library.

TONGVA TURTLE STORY Before the Missionaries and before Abbot Kinney, The Tongva Native Americans lived here. They tell a story of how California was created: Great Spirit asked a family of turtle children to come together and hold still. Great Spirit put soil on their backs to form California. But, as siblings tease and play, they move about. And that’s why we have earthquakes in California.

CONEY ISLAND OF THE PACIFIC, as Venice was called, had wild rollercoasters, beautiful carousels, giant slides, fun houses, live camel rides, miniature trains, and much more. Our Carnival Ball transports you to the fun. 2016