Join local artist Bob Eding to learn about the history of the Grants Pass public art installation known as “BearFest.”

BearFest is a beloved community art project that showcases the talent of southern Oregon artists. Originally created in 2003, Evergreen Federal Bank introduced BearFest with 20 life-sized, fiberglass bears displayed as public artwork throughout downtown Grants Pass. Since the beginning of BearFest, nearly 200 bears have been created.

Bob Eding is a local artist who has been creating public art in southern Oregon for over 25 years and is the creative mind behind BearFest. This event is part of the 2023 Summer Reading Program.

The 2023 theme is “Find Your Voice,” sponsored by the State Library of Oregon. For more information about events and activities during the Summer Reading Program, visit josephinelibrary.org.