Mural in Monterey to be removed over weather concerns

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV)- A piece of Monterey history is set to be removed due to recent weather events.

The mural designed by Bruce Ariss saw a piece of the mural broke off and termites were found after a recent storm came through the area. The mural sits across from Ed "Doc" Ricketts laboratory.

“During the storm the actual post started to rot out and one of the posts separated out and they just started to sway in the wind," City of Monterey Library director Brian Edwards said. "We had to take them out and the bottoms have rotten out and the paint has started to peel off all together.” 

Bruce Ariss was a Monterey icon and contributed many arts and literature to the area. On Bruce Ariss Way, there was a mural for many to see, but unfortunately was taken down.

The mural capturing the essence of Cannery Row is in the process of being repurposed. 

The mural depicts sketches of streets and harbor scenes on Cannery row throughout the 1930s. 

The original paintings were done in 1989 and were supposed to last for nine years.

“We are going to get a digital copy and put that original painting onto a panel interpretation and tell more of the story about Bruce and Jean Harris," Edward said.

In order to bring Bruce Ariss artwork back onto Cannery Row, they are looking into funding.

“We are looking at later this year to start something later," Edwards said. "We get that funding we can get a replica of the photo and hopefully get something here on Bruce way to recognize the artwork,"

As of right now they are looking for who will be doing the repurposing work.