23 strong artwork is a concept created by Santa Barbara artist Susan Venable as a proposal for a permanent record to honor those that perished in the 1/9 debris flow in Montecito, CA. Boulders will be sourced at sites throughout the flow basins. An organic and "of the ground" art work was inspired by the view from the freeway of hundreds of boulders lined up at San Ysidro Creek. Positioned by responding Flood Control personnel to prepare for removal, they appeared as sentries guarding and protecting the creeks and paying silent homage to the 23 who died as a result of the debris flow. A permanent site will be proposed when timing is announced by SB County. If plans for a Memorial Park in Montecito materialize, this project may be considered.
23 strong will be a not-for-profit collaboration between the artist and the appropriate governmental agencies, with cooperation of earthmovers, stoneworkers and engravers.
23 strong is a privately funded Memorial. Donations in excess of expenses will be donated to Montecito Trails Foundation.
