Its placement and the sculpted rock element complement the natural scenery, but still do not distract from it. Located at the center of Cannery Row, the monument provides opportunities for commemorative photographs, and is a natural gathering place for visitors. Finally, Whyte wanted to echo the realism and detail of Steinbeck’s novella to the best of his ability. Third, the piece echoes the authenticity of Steinbeck’s Cannery Row by carefully depicting the novel’s characters. Second, the monument enhances the public’s interactions with the location through visual stimulation and educational impact. First, the piece was designed with respect to the site’s existing landscape, both natural and constructed. The design for the sculptural installation for Cannery Row’s Steinbeck Plaza focused on four main objectives.

Steven Whyte, who had previously rented studio space on “the Row”, was awarded the commission of building nine slightly over life-size bronze figures on a 17’ x 20’ x 16’ stone formation. The Cannery Row Company determined that a new public art monument featuring characters from John Steinbeck’s novella Cannery Row should serve as a new landmark destination for tourists and local residents. However, until 2015, the locale lacked a central visual element that effectively communicated the camaraderie and celebration that Cannery Row is known for. With its powerful literary legacy, Cannery Row is an attraction of international renown.

John steinbeck museum cannery row