Grants Pass residents now have a new reason to stop by the Josephine Community Library, where a playful new sculpture has been chosen as the September Public Art of the Month. The piece, titled Beary Tales, depicts a group of bears surrounded by books and is intended to highlight both literacy and community spirit.
The sculpture was officially unveiled on July 18, 2025, near the side entrance of the Grants Pass library branch. The project was made possible through sponsorship from Evergreen Federal Bank, with the Josephine County Ambassadors joining in to cut the ceremonial ribbon. The installation represents the latest in the continuing tradition of BearFest artworks, which have become part of the cultural fabric of Grants Pass for more than two decades.
The library’s leadership has emphasized that the sculpture is more than decorative. It is part of a broader mission to encourage reading, celebrate imagination, and make the library a welcoming place for all ages. The unveiling comes during the height of the summer reading program, further tying the new piece to the library’s role as a hub for education and discovery. For visitors, Beary Tales offers an immediate, whimsical reminder that books open the door to adventure and learning.
The artist behind the work, Kel Letvinchuck, is well known locally for her involvement in BearFest and other public art projects. Letvinchuck first moved to Grants Pass in 1993 and became active in the arts community through volunteer work at the Grants Pass Museum of Art. Over time, she expanded her skills into painting and sculpting fiberglass bears, eventually creating eight different BearFest sculptures that showcase her evolving techniques.
In 2004, Letvinchuck produced a library-themed bear for BearFest, and in 2024 she was invited by the library to revisit and redesign that piece. The request provided an opportunity to connect her work more closely with the mission of the library and to refine her artistic vision. The updated sculpture incorporates themes of family, literacy, and imagination. By depicting bears immersed in books, Letvinchuck sought to capture the timeless joy of story time and to emphasize that reading is a universal experience.
Following the unveiling, Letvinchuck met with visitors inside the library to share her artistic journey. She described her process of blending different mediums, experimenting with fiberglass, and weaving in storybook elements that appeal to children and adults alike. Her artistic style balances playfulness with resilience, often bringing to life characters that feel both familiar and magical.
The Beary Tales sculpture now joins the library grounds as a permanent installation, intended to inspire curiosity and celebrate literacy. It stands as a continuation of Grants Pass’s identity as a city that embraces public art and invests in projects that strengthen community ties. For library patrons and visitors, the sculpture is a reminder that stories, whether told through books or art, help build connections that endure across generations.