The Storyteller

The Storyteller is a bronze sculpture at Broadway Plaza in Eugene showing author Ken Kesey seated on a granite bench telling stories. The figure is surrounded by three smaller bronze figures of children, together depicting a family in a moment of connection.

The monument was created in 2003 and sculpted by Pete Helzer. Funding came from notable supporters including Phil Knight, Paul Newman, and Michael Douglas.

The inscriptions on the base show passages from Ken Kesey's novels and reflect his influence on literature. Visitors can read the author's own words and understand which stories mattered most to him.

The artwork sits at the corner of West Broadway and Willamette Street, making it an easy landmark to find in downtown Eugene. The location is walkable and surrounded by shops and other attractions nearby.

The artwork shows three named bronze figures of children: Kate Smith, Caleb Kesey, and Jordan Smith, each representing specific individuals. This portrayal of family members makes the memorial a personal portrait rather than just a generic literary monument.

Location: Eugene

Inception: 2003

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 44.04980,-123.09259

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24