More than a home bar, the Hidden Oasis showcases Modern as well as authentic Oceanic Art. From Papua New Guinea to the Hawaiian Islands, art by indigenous people has always appealed to Tiki John. Having collected the art with respect for other cultures, the art is a celebration of those cultures without misappropriation. Modern carvings by artists such as Barney West, Tiki Diablo AKA Daniel Gallardo, Bosko, Tom Fowner, Leroy Schmaltz and Bob Van Oosting, both of Oceanic Arts are prevalent. Spears from Papua New Guinea brought back by John’s father while stationed there during WW II, are hung with pride along with his service photo.

Nautical theming goes hand-in-hand with Tiki. Traditional Tiki bars often include name nautical features. Sailing ships that visited exotic ports in the South Pacific brought back many items such as carvings and other treasures. Nautical items featured are a diving helmet from the 1880s engraved with the names of the men that wore it. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a mythical tale made into a movie in the 1950s by Walt Disney influenced the Hidden Oasis decor. The original Disneyland attraction poster (c1959) along with a porthole behind the bar, salvaged from the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction at Walt Disney World that was scrapped years ago, sets a nautical vibe. Another important piece is a miniature movie prop cannon used in filming 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The cannon fired upon the Nautilus from the SS Lincoln in the movie. A vintage 1940s US Naval brass compass rounds out some of the vintage nautical pieces.

The lighting layout was conceived byJohn, again bringing traditional Tiki lamps together with nautical aesthetic. Salvaged teak ship’s hold covers are suspended from the fourteen foot ceilings from which Japanese fishnet floats and tiki lamps are illuminated and hung. Lamps by Tom Allsmiller AKA Typhoon Tommy, Oceanic Arts and several crafted by John, float above the the bar.