About Balesteri's Wharf Store Monterey

Originally established as a fish market in 1966, today, Balesteri's Wharf Front is a family-owned gift shop and tourist destination overlooking the harbor of the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.  Distinguished from the array of novelty shops and eateries on Old Fisherman's Wharf, Balesteri's  offers unique nautical gifts such as diving helmets, wind chimes, ship wheels and sea sculptures.  Our knowledgeable staff is pleased to assist you in making a selection and answering any questions you may have.  In addition to the merchandise featured on our site, we offer many other items in our store.  If, by chance, you do not see what you are looking for, please feel free to inquire as we are happy to help you find it.

Sea Sculptures

For 35 years, SPI Gallery artists have created some of the finest solid brass sculptures.  Inspired by the beauty of the natural world, our collection of nautical and wildlife creations is simply unmatched.  All pieces are designed by artisans in our Northern California studio, meticulously hand-sculpted, and cast in our foundry.

Our new 2010 additions start life as a clay sculpture.  Then they are cast in metal using the lost wax technique.  The sculpture is then hand finished using the hot patina technique.  Our patina artists heat the brass surfaces with blow torches and apply chemicals that react to the metal.  After several coats of hand waxing, the result is a vibrant, deep, layered finish with complex subtleties that no other finishing method can achieve.