Fort Mason in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Andrea's Fountain
Although landscape architect Lawrence Halprin attacked Asawa's design of a nursing mermaid nursing seated on a sea turtle for not being a "serious" work, Asawa's intentions were clear: "For the old it would bring back the fantasy of their childhood, and for the young it would give them something to remember when they grow old!
"I wanted to make something related to the sea...I thought of all the children, and maybe even some adults, who would stand by the seashore waiting for a turtle or a mermaid to appear. As you look at the sculpture you include the Bay view which was saved for all of us, and you wonder what lies below that surface."
The most photographed feature of Ghirardelli Square, the fountain was named in honor of Andrea Jepson, the woman who served as the model for the mermaid. (Marker Number 25.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1968.
Location. 37° 48.358′ N, 122° 25.349′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Fort Mason. Marker can be reached from North Point Street near Larkin Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 North Point Street, San Francisco CA 94109, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Clock Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); First Ship into San Francisco Bay (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barbary Coast Trail (about 500 feet away); America’s First Irish Coffee (about 600 feet away); The Buena Vista Cafe (about 600 feet away); Friedel Klussman (about 600 feet away); Propellers from Klamath (about 600 feet away); The Dolphin Swimming and Boating Club (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 762 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 3, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on October 9, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.