Spring 2026

In both cases, Stanton gave Mora free reign for the decorative elements on the buildings. In the case of the Robert Stanton Theater, Mora created the bas-relief adornments on the front of the building, column caps on the sides, and the door plaques to represent the fine and per- forming arts with a variety of cultural acknowl- edgements reflecting his own interests. Travel north from King City to Salinas via River Road, Metz Road/Old Stage Road or Highway 101 and, in the heart of downtown Salinas, you’ll find the Historic East-West Building of the Monterey County Courthouse . The vision for this project was also the work of architect Robert Stanton. Stanton’s approach was to create a building in a Classic Moderne style with elements of the International style. One of the requirements of the WPA program was that building designs include artistic decorative elements for which Stanton turned to Mora. Stanton’s monolithic design provided the perfect canvas for Mora’s artistic efforts. The various surfaces, from the doors to the column 118 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 Photo: Lewis Josselyn, courtesy of the Jo Mora Collection, Monterey History and Art Association Photo: “KingCityHS-RobertStantonTheater” by Binksternet (Above) Each of the nine panels on the front of the King City High School Auditorium could stand alone in its exquisite crafting. (Below) Mora’s work method found him beginning the sculpting in his home workshop.