Bearfootin' on Main

Hendersonville, NC is home to a Public Art Walk called "Bearfootin' on Main." There are usually about 20 bears total each year, and each one gets painted by local artists for great causes! I have participated for four years, creating whimsical and inspirational bears for the Blue Ridge Humane Society, Blue Ridge Health, and St. Gerard House. There are three styles of bears that adorn Main Street each year from May-October (bear on all fours, mama and baby bear, and a standing bear; all of which are pictured below). Then the bears search for their permanent homes at the Bear Auction in October, raising money for local charities (in 2017, the 20 Bears raised over $50,000 for local charities). Such a fun way to share art with our fabulous community and always such an honor to participate! 

 

2016

In 2016, I had the wonderful opportunity of painting my first bear to support the Blue Ridge Humane Society.  The main goal for this special bear named "Promise" was to portray a loving home for the many sweet and playful animals at the BRHS.  The colorful puppy, cat, dog, paw prints, and flowers on this bear represent hope and several featured words on the bear included: best friend, loyal, respect, trust, adoption, and kindness.

2017

In 2017, I had the honor of creating another bear for the Blue Ridge Humane Society. This bear featured a mama bear and baby bear, complete with a mama cat and kitten and a mama dog and puppy painted on the sides! A tree of life was also painted on the back of the bear, representing the lives of our sweet companions.

2018

In 2018, I was asked to paint a standing bear for Blue Ridge Health. This bear, named "Beary Sunshine", features the quote, "I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health" encouraging us all to choose happy! A perfect fit for my colorful, inspirational style of painting. Lots of flowers adorn this sweet bear as well. More info about this bear can be found via this link!

     

2022

In 2022, I was asked to paint a bear for St. Gerard House. The sponsor for this bear (Dogwood of Flatrock) and I came up with a theme of Blue Ridge Mountains, flowers, bees and butterflies. I loved creating with such vibrant colors and even some shimmery paint on the wings of the butterflies and bees...extra fun in the sunshine! Her name is "Daisy Dogwood." My motto as an artist is always "joyful art for joy-filled lives" and I hope that when people see Daisy Dogwood they can sense that joy!