Bring home a burst of Monterey joy.

The Happy Monterey Sardine Pillow is a vibrant, one-of-a-kind soft sculpture designed by artist Mai Ryuno. Each pillow features a unique mix of colorful, patterned cotton fabrics—carefully selected for every individual sardine—making each piece truly original.
 
A beloved design first created for an interactive art installation at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History in 2017, the Happy Monterey Sardine was part of a larger soft-sculpture ecosystem of Monterey Bay marine animals. That project eventually grew into the community art studio that is now Play Full Ground, a creative microschool and learning center.
 
This year, the Happy Monterey Sardine Pillow makes a rare comeback only for the holiday season. Available in extremely limited quantities, these pillows may not return until next year—or ever.
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Features
One-of-a-kind design: Every sardine is created with hand-selected colorful cotton fabrics.
Handmade in Monterey: Individually designed, cut, and sewn.
Artist-crafted Monterey original: Deeply rooted in local history, community art, and playful storytelling.
Bright, joyful, and full of personality: A perfect accent for home, studio, or as a memorable gift.
Seasonal exclusive: Limited edition release, holiday season only.
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Product Details
Dimensions: Approximately 36" length x 12" height
Materials: Cotton fabrics, felt eyes, poly-fill interior
Care: Spot clean only
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Price & Shipping
$70 — special holiday price including domestic shipping (free shipping!)
Domestic shipping only
Processing Time: Ships or ready for pickup within 1 week
Studio pickup available (by appointment):
Play Full Ground
550 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite E
Monterey, CA