Capitola Wharf to Unveil New Bronze Sculptures

Public celebration planned for February 22 to showcase artist's marine-themed creations.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project (CWEP) team is inviting the public to a dedication ceremony on February 22nd at 2 p.m. to celebrate the installation of new bronze sculptures along the Capitola Wharf. The sculptures depict various marine life including pelicans, sea stars, sea turtles, rockfish, and octopus.

Why it matters

The new bronze sculptures are part of a larger effort by the CWEP team to enhance the Capitola Wharf with artful elements that celebrate the area's natural coastal environment. The dedication event provides an opportunity for the community to engage with the new artwork and learn more about the creative process behind its creation.

The details

Artist Sean Monaghan and his assistant Raissa Boysen created the bronze sculptures, which were commissioned by the CWEP team as part of their publicly-funded enhancement project. Monaghan, who owns the Bronze Works Foundry and teaches sculpture at UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College, will be on hand at the event to answer questions about the artwork. In addition to viewing the sculptures, attendees will also be able to participate in brass rubbing activities to create their own paper replicas of the bronze elements.

  • The dedication ceremony is scheduled for February 22, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Sean Monaghan

The artist who created the new bronze sculptures on the Capitola Wharf. Monaghan owns the Bronze Works Foundry and teaches sculpture at UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College.

Raissa Boysen

The assistant who worked with artist Sean Monaghan on creating the bronze sculptures for the Capitola Wharf.

Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project (CWEP)

A small team of volunteers who raised over $480,000 in public donations to fund artful enhancements to the Capitola Wharf, including the new bronze sculptures.

Laurie Hill

The organizer of the February 22nd dedication event for the new bronze sculptures on the Capitola Wharf.

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What they’re saying

“Celebrate art by making art”

— Laurie Hill, Event Organizer (tpgonlinedaily.com)

The takeaway

The new bronze sculptures on the Capitola Wharf represent a community-driven effort to enhance the local coastal environment with artful elements that celebrate the area's natural marine life. The upcoming dedication event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the new artwork, learn about the creative process behind it, and even create their own paper replicas through hands-on brass rubbing activities.