As you pass through the doors to the Bear Hotel Artworks
Museum, the Disney type atmosphere that surrounds you immediately stimulates
your senses. Just the name Bear Hotel conjures up images of Disney’s
Country Bear Jamboree. Oh, but it’s so much
more. Encounter small alien creatures as
they prepare to become future Mars astronauts anxious to blast off in their
larger-than-life rocket ship. Come
face-to-face with Bigfoot in his cave.
Stop for photos at one of the thrones. You will also see upward of 20
shields painted with scenes from American history and over 30 doors painted
with the history of Oregon. You won’t
believe the magically transformation on a vast array of Harley-Davidson
choppers. Don’t be startled by the talking
Volkswagen painted with polar bears.
Evergreen Federal Bank in Grants Pass, Oregon is synonymous
with “Bear Hotel” and its display of public art on the streets of downtown
Grants Pass. Representing a ‘one of a
kind’ community facility, don’t attempt to rent a room at the Bear Hotel. You see its not really a hotel at all. It houses community artwork, as well as artist
studios, and offers a unique meeting space.
The brainchild of retired Evergreen Federal Bank President Brady Adams,
the Bear Hotel was a nickname that local artists gave to the Evergreen rented
warehouse used for production and storage of the original Grants Pass Bear Fest,
a tradition which began in 2003. Later,
when a permanent facility was established, a community events and meeting
facility was added and the name “Bear Hotel” stuck.
Bear Fest is a celebration honoring
Southern Oregon’s black bear. Life size
bears start out as plain fiberglass figures, then are magically transformed by
local artists into colorful, embellished creatures that are publicly displayed
on the downtown streets for all to see, touch, and enjoy throughout the summer
months. You will find over 60 of the
wildest bears you will ever encounter.
Each of the bears includes an adorable bear cub as a companion and each is
inscribed with the artist information. Visit www.bearfest.org
for more details.
Last evening the Bear Hotel was transformed into a banquet
facility for an evening to honor the employees of Evergreen Federal Bank. Mouth-watering catered food selections included
such favorites as chicken cacciatore, steak, salad, garlic beans, french bread,
and chocolate chip bread pudding. Handing
out a plethora of prizes and individual service awards dotted the evening. The desire to become an employee of Evergreen
was evident by the number of 5-30 year service awards distributed by Jeffrey
Hyde, the current President.
Founded in 1934, Evergreen Federal Bank strives to be “the
bank that’s different”.
President Jeff Hyde leads the team with a three-prong emphasis
to the business. 1) Provide a place to
keep your money; 2) Provide a place to
get a real estate loan; and 3) Commitment
to helping the community. From Concerts
in the Park to Wildlife Images, Evergreen has always been there to help. Not
just monetarily, but a majority of the time with the employees volunteering
their personal time. Evergreen Federal
Bank has raised millions of dollars for local non-profit organizations. You will see their dedicated employees
involved in everything from food drives to homeless shelters, fund-raising for
medical equipment to projects that enhance the parks and other public spaces
throughout the city.
Evergreen Federal Bank continues to expand
its influence within the Southern Oregon area by offering 2 locations in Grants
Pass and other branches in Brookings, Rogue River, Cave Junction and
Medford.
Find out more about Evergreen Federal
Bank and the Bear Hotel at:
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