From Studio B Art Gallery
Pictured above: “Take Out” acrylic on board by Bob McGee.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Bear Fever, Boyertown’s popular community art project, Studio B, 39 E. Philadelphia Ave. in Boyertown, announces the opening of an art exhibit entitled “BEARS” on Friday, May 2, from 5-7 p.m., featuring a show of works by the creators of Boyertown’s Bear Fever sculptures.
The exhibit will run through Sunday, June 22. Normal gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays, from 12-2 p.m., or by appointment.
“Twenty years ago, we debuted over 30 Bear Fever sculptures at Boyertown High School’s annual Art Expo. Each of the sculptures was created by a different artist or group. Local professional artists, students and their teachers, and volunteers designed the theme of their bear and brought it to life,” explained Jane Stahl, co-founder of Bear Fever with her husband, Paul.
Over a dozen artists who have created the iconic sculptures over the years are participating in the exhibit. “We’re delighted to showcase the artists who enhanced the streets of Boyertown with their talents and continue to create art in their chosen medium,” added Susan Biebuyck, Studio B’s gallery director. “This area is the home and inspiration for many fine artists; Bear Fever allowed the community to get to know them a bit better and appreciate the value of art.”
“I knew folks would like the bears, but I had no idea how much!” Stahl continued. Today, there are over 90 sculptures within the Boyertown area. A few sculptures have travelled with their sponsors outside the area. A map and a locations chart are available on the project’s website: www.bearfever.org. The site — in the process of being updated — has been donated, designed, and maintained by Boyertown’s Media Fusion Technologies.
Not all of the participating artists are represented. Some of the original artists are not creating art; a few have died, left the area, or have not responded to their last known addresses. “Plus, commercial artists like Alan Macbain, Dennis Graber, and Alan Johnson — and even Jeff Graber, who has been the major artist since the project’s debut — don’t have artwork that can be exhibited in a gallery,” Stahl explained. “Unfortunately, their work — in cartoon form, sign painting, auto body and detailing, for example — the commercial arts — don’t lend themselves to a gallery exhibit,” she added. “But we hope they will attend the opening to be recognized and to help us celebrate the project’s success.”
The Bear Fever project was recognized for its contribution to the Boyertown community on Saturday, April 12, at the annual Citizens of the Year event.
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Source: bctv