Three Grizzlies Find a New Home at SJI Sculpture Park

Workers install the largest of the 3 bears – Rebecca Cook photo

By Marita Holdaway

Thanks to Jim and Bonnie Towne the San Juan Island Sculpture Park has three bears. These are not just any old bears but grizzly bears commissioned by the Towne’s for their lodge in Colorado.

Workers install the one of the cubs – Rebecca Cook photo

When the Towne’s moved to San Juan Island, the mom and two cubs came with them. And now, as of last Thursday, June 25, 2020, they have a new home at the sculpture park.

The grizzlies are made of bronze and the mama bear stands a whopping 13 feet tall.

Bonnie Towne wanted friendly grizzly bears which was a challenge for the artist, Lorenzo Ghiglieri, since grizzlies are not known for their gentle personality. 

Before the relocation, David Jenkins, President of the SJI Sculpture Park Board stands with “Large Marge” to give a sense of scale – Rebecca Cook photo

“Large Marge” was named by the Towne’s children after a character in the movie “Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure”. She and her two cubs are now residing in the Sculpture Park for everyone to enjoy.  

Head on out there to take a look and also to see if anything else has changed since you last visited. The Sculpture Park is a great place to visit to get out of the house, get some fresh air and exercise. Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines for your safety and everyone else.

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