Explore Downtown’s Public Art
For a town of its size, Grants Pass boasts a remarkable concentration of public art. From massive murals and larger-than-life sculptures to seasonal fixtures like the Evergreen bears, you’ll find art on every corner. Tour through Downtown’s Historic District by following the newly created Public Art Walking Map and drop by the dozens of locally-owned shops and eateries along the way.
Pick up a walking map at the Downtown Welcome Center or download a map on our website below.
Special thanks to the Committee on Public Art and Grants Pass City for creating the curated public art walking tour map
Starting at the Downtown Welcome Center at the corner of 6th and G Street, pop inside to grab a brochure and head North towards the railroad tracks. Outside of the post office you’ll be greeted by the “Mail Delivery Bear” created by Bob Eding and sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank. Inside the post office, you’ll find two New Deal murals painted in 1938, “Rogue River Indians” by Louis DeMott Bunch and “Early and Contemporary Industries” by Eric Lamade. Commissioned by the Treasury Department’s Section of Painting and Sculpture, post office murals were intended to boost the morale of the public during the Great Depression and were made to be accessible to all people.
On the other side of F Street, spot the “Road of 1,000 Wonders” mural by Barbara Kostal and Ray Colton which is painted on the First National Bank Building, built in 1890. The mural depicts the same building during the turn of the century and offers a glimpse at what 6th street looked like in the early 1900s.
Continuing onto F St, you’ll pass a bear mural as well as the “Language of Trees” art box by Pam Haunchild, one of many decorated utility boxes which is funded by the Committee on Public Art (CoPA). Circling back around the block you’ll come upon the latest mural to grace downtown, the “Welcome to Grants Pass” mural by artist, Cate Battles and building owner Ward Warren. The 50×19 postcard-style mural is comprised of iconic settings and history of Josephine County. Across the street, you’ll see the towering “Old Josephine Hotel” mural by John Michener which dominates the skyline. Painted on the Historic Redwood Tower, the mural is located on the party wall to the Josephine Hotel that burned down in 1975. While passing E Street, drop into MaMosa’s for a scratch-made meal and their famous mimosas.
Heading back towards the center of town, check out the Grasshopper sculpture by Janet Higgins, which welcomes visitors to the Grants Pass Growers Market every Saturday morning spring-fall. Cross over the tracks and find the Garden Mural by Judy Davidson and Valente Ornelas at the corner of G and 4th street. While there, step inside the Herb Shop for quality herbs and holistic health needs. Across the street you’ll see the Bike Rack sculpture by E Bender in front of the Historic City Hall, built in 1912.
Turning onto H Street, you’ll spot two fabulous murals at the Napa AutoParts Store, “The Climate” by Ever Galvez and “Old Garage” by Bob Eding. On the other side of Napa, you’ll find the “Circling Salmon” sculpture by Lucas Brinkerhoff. Crossing over H St, you’ll see the “Owl” ghost mural. Ghost murals, like this one of Owl Cigars, are often times painted advertisements that are discovered only when buildings come down and reveal old signage on neighboring walls. Every October, the Owl Lot comes to life during the Art Along the Rogue Festival where H and 5th streets transform into a patchwork of street murals.
Crossing the street towards the Haul, you’ll pass the “Osprey on a Nest” sculpture before making your way to the Osprey Alleyway. Here, the alleyway becomes a nature trail with larger-than-life native wildflowers. Created by Joseph Johnson in 2021, these 15ft tall metal flowers greet visitors walking between 5th and 6th streets. While there, drop into the Old Town Antique Mall before crossing 6th street towards the Kitchen Company. If you haven’t yet popped into the Kitchen Company- you’re in for a treat. This is one of the best locally-owned kitchen supply stores on the West Coast. Just outside of the store, you’ll spot the “Horse and Buggy” mural by Layne Brady.
Continuing on the walking tour, make your way to the Duck Lot by Oregon Pizza and Pour Authority. Here, you’ll find more beautiful utility boxes as well as Melissa Ghiglieri’s vibrant “Duck” mural. Heading back towards the heart of the Historic District, peruse the shops along G Street, grab a bite at a local eatery, and finish your tour at the Grants Pass Museum of Art. The museum, which is free and open to the public Tues-Sat 10am-5pm showcases incredible artists both regionally and from around the world. Check out their latest exhibit and pop into Gallery One below the museum.
