Clayton Rock Garden – from pandemic pause to artistic bloom
CLAYTON, CA (Dec. 19, 2024) — In the quiet hills of Clayton, there’s an unassuming roadside spot on Keller Ridge Drive that has become a canvas for creativity, kindness and community. Known as the Clayton Rock Garden, this hidden gem is the heart of a story that began during one of the most challenging times in recent history.
Kevin Monaghan’s life reads like an ode to resilience and reinvention. Born in Connecticut, he moved frequently as a child before settling in Orinda for high school. Those early years set the stage for a life defined by discipline, leadership and a commitment to service.
Monaghan joined the Marine Corps, where he served for seven and a half years. He then earned a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly as well as a master’s degree from USC, courtesy of the GI Bill. He transitioned into business, co-owning a successful steel fabrication company in Concord with his wife.
New Chapter
After decades of hard work, the couple retired when Kevin was 54, embarking on a new chapter filled with travel and exploration. The Monaghans visited national parks, journeyed through Ireland and explored New Zealand.
On March 15, 2020, the day the world came to a halt, they returned home from Tahiti under the looming shadow of COVID-19. With time suddenly abundant and familiar routines disrupted, they stumbled upon an unexpected outlet: painting rocks.
What began as a simple pastime using dollar-store brushes and a handful of rocks from their yard soon became a daily ritual. They transformed their garage into a cozy art studio, complete with a large desk, neatly arranged paints and carpeting for comfort. Each day, they painted eight to ten rocks, infusing their creativity into each design.
The fruits of their labor now populate the Clayton Rock Garden. This modest roadside spot has become a beloved landmark, where the couple’s painted rocks featuring whimsical patterns, vibrant colors and heartfelt messages bring joy to neighbors and strangers alike.
“We stopped counting last year after reaching 6,000 rocks,” Monaghan recalls with a chuckle. “Now we estimate it’s somewhere between 7,500 and 8,000, but we’ve let go of the numbers. It’s about the act of creating.”
Gifts of joy
The rocks rarely last long. Residents and passersby eagerly collect them, often sharing photos or stories of how these small tokens brighten their day. The ephemeral nature of the project adds a special magic: Each rock exists as a fleeting gift of joy, gone in hours but replaced the next day.
The Clayton Rock Garden has become more than just a local curiosity; it’s a symbol of resilience, creativity and connection. For the Monaghans, what began as a distraction from isolation turned into a mission of spreading happiness.
Email comments to Julia O’Reilly at joreillyfineartgallery@gmail.com.
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Julia O'Reilly
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey, Julia pursued her studies in Business and Economics at Istanbul University before immigrating to the United States in 1991. She furthered her education at Las Positas College, specializing in Interior Design, and eventually settled in Clayton, where she has resided for 29 years. In 2003, Julia began her career as a jewelry artist, earning recognition from Diablo Magazine as the Best of the East Bay Local Jewelry Designer in 2012. Since 2014, she has been involved with the Blackhawk Gallery in Danville, California, and became President of the Alamo Danville Artists Society in 2020. In 2022, she opened her own JOR Fine Art Gallery, and for the past two years, she has been actively contributing to the Art Community in Clayton, a passion she deeply cherishes.