North Bend’s Main Street program proudly unveiled its Four-Point Wayfinder Sign on Oct. 11 at the North Bend Visitor Information Center, 745 California Ave. The vibrant sign serves as a unique guide for locals and visitors, pointing to key downtown destinations while celebrating the rich cultural diversity and artistic talent within the community.
The wayfinder sign exemplifies the National Main Street’s four-point approach: economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization. Each directional arrow represents one of these pillars, connecting visitors to important downtown landmarks and telling the story of North Bend through local art and history.
The sign features four key directional arrows, each crafted by a local artist, adding personal and cultural meaning to the project.
Promotion Arrow (Orange): Designed by Margarita Grooms, a minority artist originally from Phoenix, Ariz., the promotion arrow points to Grant Circle, the heart of local events such as parades, festivals, and community gatherings. Grooms, a military veteran and business student at Southwestern Oregon Community College, drew inspiration from her experience in hospitality and community-building. Her design reflects her love for bringing people together and celebrates the vibrant community spirit that thrives in North Bend.
Design Arrow (Green): Created by Blaise Barshaw, a senior artist who is known for his murals and hand-drawn greeting cards, the green arrow guides visitors to the historic Liberty Theatre. Barshaw, who painted the well-known octopus mural at the Walmart entrance, was inspired by the theatre’s role as a cultural hub in downtown revitalization. His design emphasizes the importance of arts in shaping the visual identity of the community and highlights the theatre as a space where the arts and local history come together.
-Organization Arrow (Yellow): Crafted by 10-year-old Mikalai Kuliashou, a youth artist from Belarus, the yellow arrow points to the North Bend Public Library, symbolizing community engagement and inclusion. Mikalai, who sold his first painting at the age of 5, is deeply inspired by the role of libraries in providing knowledge and fostering creativity. His design reflects a sense of wonder and curiosity, qualities that the library nurtures in the local community, making it a key part of North Bend’s organizational framework.
-Economic Vitality Arrow (Blue): Designed by Veronika Akhramovich, a local female artist, the blue arrow directs visitors to the Downtown Business District, showcasing the economic energy of North Bend. Veronika, who has created art installations across the streets of Coos Bay and North Bend, is passionate about the role of art in social and cultural expression. Her work for the Economic Vitality arrow is inspired by the resilience of local businesses and the economic heartbeat that sustains North Bend’s downtown area. Through her art, she captures the essence of entrepreneurship and community growth.
The post supporting the Wayfinder Sign was created from a tree sourced from Simpson Park, a site of historical significance in North Bend. Purchased by Asa M. Simpson in 1855, the park has served many purposes over the years, from a ball field to an auto camp. While some of the park’s trees have suffered decay or storm damage over time, the Main Street program saw an opportunity to repurpose one of the trees marked for removal, transforming it into the post for the Wayfinder Sign. This careful crafting and preservation reflect North Bend’s dedication to honoring its natural history while embracing new possibilities for placemaking and community engagement.
The wayfinder sign was made possible thanks to the generous support of Oregon Main Street, AARP, and the City of North Bend. AARP awarded the Main Street program a $3,000 grant to fund the project after North Bend Main Street showcased a mock-up of the project at the Oregon Main Street Conference in 2023. The Main Street program is deeply grateful for the continued support of these organizations in bringing the vision of the Four-Point Wayfinder Sign to life.
For more information about the Four-Point Wayfinder Sign and other Main Street projects, visit the North Bend Main Street website at northbendoregon.us/wayfindersign.
