The Coral Throne

Coral Throne – Frequently Asked Questions 

Project Title: Coral Throne – Underwater Sculpture
Artist / Designer / Sculptor: Michael Herold
Commission: Pompano Beach Underwater Sculpture Round 5, Shipwreck Park
Date: July 16, 2025
Contact: coralthrone@gmail.com  (720) 217-6147 

1. What materials are used in the sculpture?
The Coral Throne is built entirely from metal, using mild steel and stainless steel at a minimum thickness of 1/4 inch. The seat and armrests are polished stainless for diver comfort, while the rest of the structure is left raw and textured to encourage coral growth.

2. How heavy is the sculpture?
Between 500–700 pounds depending on material sourcing and weld volume. The mass eliminates the need for a separate concrete ballast.

3. What are the dimensions of the Coral Throne?
The sculpture measures approximately 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 6 feet tall (36" x 36" x 72"). It’s large enough for divers to sit comfortably, yet compact enough to integrate safely onto the shipwreck deck without overwhelming the surrounding environment.

4. Will the Coral Throne rust?
Yes. The mild steel is intentionally left uncoated. It will oxidize naturally in seawater, creating a surface that coral can attach to. Over time, the rust and coral growth become part of the sculpture’s living evolution.

5. How is the sculpture mounted underwater?
A central mounting pipe (18" tall, 3.5" ID) is welded beneath the seat. It sleeves over a fixed post on the shipwreck deck and is locked with a 3/4" bolt.

6. How is it lifted and installed?
Four welded lifting loops (1" solid bar) allow safe rigging for cranes, straps, or flotation airbags. The sculpture may also be fabricated in modular sections for transport and final weld assembly.

7. Is the Coral Throne safe for marine life?
Yes. Open design and decorative rebar under the seat prevent turtles or large animals from getting trapped, while fish and coral can freely move through scrollwork and shell motifs.

8. Will coral actually grow on it?
Yes. All non-polished surfaces are textured and uncoated, providing the perfect substrate for natural coral colonization. Over the years, the throne will transform into a living reef.

9. Can divers sit in it?
Yes. The seat and armrests are polished smooth so divers can sit safely, pose for photos, and enjoy the experience both on land (during temporary display) and underwater after installation.

10. How visible will it be once submerged?
At 6 feet tall, with upright forms and bold geometry, the throne will remain visible even as coral grows over it. Sign plates are sized for readability underwater.

11. How long will it last underwater?
Decades. Mild steel gradually oxidizes, but coral growth and marine life reinforce the form, turning it into an evolving ecological and artistic landmark.

12. Why Pompano Beach?
Shipwreck Park in Pompano Beach is one of the most unique artificial reef systems in the U.S. The Coral Throne continues this legacy, attracting divers, boosting tourism, and contributing to reef ecology.

13. What makes the Coral Throne unique?
It’s interactive, photogenic, reef-safe, and mythic. A throne designed for the sea — meant to be completed by coral and enjoyed by divers for generations.

14. How is the sculpture shipped?
The Coral Throne can be fabricated as one piece or shipped in four modular sections (left arm, right arm, seat/base, backrest) for transport. Final welds and bolt points are completed during installation.

15. How is the artist involved post-submission?
Michael Herold is available to collaborate with fabricators, marine engineers, and installers as needed. Final approval of bolt positions, signage placement, or assembly refinements will be coordinated with Shipwreck Park. 

In addition, Michael is available for: 
Press interviews – Print, radio, podcasts, or TV features on the Coral Throne project 
Public talks and seminars – Presentations on public art, sculpture, and reef ecology for schools, museums, or community events 
Educational outreach – Classroom tie-ins, workshops, or interactive sessions with students and dive programs
Panel participation – Conferences and symposiums on art, tourism, or environmental design 
Community engagement – In-person or virtual Q&As, open studios, or artist meet-and-greets related to the Coral Throne

16.  🌊 The Coral Crew What is the Coral Crew?
The Coral Crew is the community side of the Coral Throne project. It brings together kids, families, divers, and art enthusiasts to celebrate ocean art and reef ecology. 

For Kids: Meet the Coral Crew characters, download coloring pages, earn a Coral Crew Certificate, and learn about the reef in a fun way. 

For Adults: Get behind-the-scenes updates, dive deeper into reef ecology, support underwater art projects, and explore opportunities for sponsorship, volunteering, or collecting.

17. How do I join as a kid Coral Crew member?
Visit the Kids Coral Crew page to meet the characters, grab free downloads, and start exploring. Share your coloring and reef adventures on social media with #CoralCrewColoring and tag @TheCoralThrone.

18. How do I join as an adult Coral Crew member?
Adults can join by visiting the Adult Coral Crew page (linked at the top of the Kids Coral Crew section). It’s a place for reef supporters, divers, educators, and collectors who want to be part of the Coral Throne story in a more direct way.

19. What can adults do as part of the Coral Crew?
Follow installation updates and progress photos
Learn more about reef ecology and artificial reefs
Sponsor or support future underwater artworks
Join educational or nonprofit tie-ins
Collect Coral Crew memorabilia or limited art editions

20. Can schools, sponsors, or organizations get involved?
Yes. The Coral Throne welcomes collaboration with educators, nonprofits, and sponsors. Opportunities include classroom tie-ins, beach and reef cleanups, tourism partnerships, and future art reef projects.

Final Word:
 The Coral Throne is more than a sculpture. It’s a living reef, a public artwork, a diver’s destination, and a community project for kids and adults alike. Over time it will transform — rust, coral, and marine life completing what began as steel and vision. ✅ This version is web-clean: every entry split with separators, numbering fixed, and