Mark Patterson, the artist behind the "Surfing Madonna" spent 9 months creating the beloved mosaic form his home studio out of stone and glass.

During the day and while wearing construction vests, Mark and one assistant installed the mosaic without the consent of the City of Encinitas, or the permission of the North County Transit District.

The mosaic instantly gained national attention with daily print, web and television press as the community and beyond, though Patterson was able to keep his identity a secret.

Dozens of visitors from far and near rushed to the mosaic to witness in person the rumored anonymous gift. The majority of the community supported the mosaic, but the City of Encinitas reacted differently.

The future of the mosaic was in jeopardy due to a number of legalities and an outdated definition of vandalism. The City of Encinitas hired art preservationists consultants to analyze the mosaic for removal possibilities. While examining the top of the artwork, one consultant found a hint of a scribbled signature.

The discovery was publicized and shortly after Patterson came forward as the artist behind the masterpiece.

Fined and the recent of many fees, patterson was encouraged to remove the mosaic at his own cost and pay additional fees and fines. The mosaic, and its message, was removed to the dismay of the community.