Bearfootin' Art Walk

1. Bear Name: Weaving Wishes
Sponsor: Stuller Power Solutions
Artist: Becky Bonnema
Beneficiary: Safelight

Meet Weaving Wishes sponsored by Stuller Power Solutions. Proceeds from this heartfelt creation by local artist Becky Bonnema benefit Safelight — a nonprofit dedicated to serving survivors of abuse, violence, and exploitation. Through gentle lines and symbolic imagery, Weaving Wishes represents the strength found in healing and the power of connection — threads of hope woven together to form a tapestry of resilience. This bear stands as a tribute to survivors and to the community that surrounds them with care, courage, and light.

2. Bear Name: Goldie
Sponsor / Beneficiary: Friends of Downtown Hendersonville
Artist Name: Amy Weinsoff, Diana Levenson

Goldie is the creation of artists Amy Weinsoff and Diana Levenson and proudly sponsored by the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville. Goldie has spent the summer enjoying the sunshine and our beautiful weather and her fur reflects this. Goldie loves to frolic among all the beautiful wildflowers and plants that grow locally here in our mountains. Goldie is not alone in basking in the warmth of the summer sun. She is joined by many small creatures you might see locally, some obvious and some tucked away. We really do get to enjoy all four seasons here in this lovely place we get to call home, and Goldie represents summer. Come meet Goldie and find all of her 22 forest friends.

3. Bear Name: Shiraz
Sponsor / Artists: Dr Susan Welsch
Beneficiary: Community Food Pantry

Shiraz bear is named for the deep purple colored grape variety used to produce Shiraz, also known as Syrah, red wine.  The warm days and cool nights that we enjoy in Hendersonville create ideal conditions for cultivating European vinifera and French-American hybrid grapes.  Shiraz bear is painted in the art nouveau style, taking inspiration from Gustav Klimt with her sinuous gold vines and deep blue and turquoise color palette . Shiraz bear was sponsored and created by Dr Susan Welsch to benefit the Community Food Pantry in Edneyville. In 2018, when the pantry was first opened, its founders had hoped to serve 35 families, at best.  Since then, the Community Food Pantry has registered thousands of families from Henderson County.  The pantry is operated by an all-volunteer group and is committed to providing essential food relief directly to our neighbors facing food insecurity.  Dr Welsch is honored to offer Shiraz bear for the benefit of the Community Food Pantry, where she is also a volunteer. 

4. Bear Name: Theodore Plume
Sponsor: Barbara Bowers Law, PLLC
Artist Name: Barbara Bowers

Beneficiary: Rotary Club of Hendersonville

Theodore Plume is a dignified bear embodying the spirit of early conservation and civic pride. Inspired by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of the 1920s, he symbolizes their movement to establish official state birds across the United States. His form is adorned with feathers representing a selection of those birds, each a tribute to regional identity and natural beauty. With a heart of gold, Theodore Plume reflects a deep commitment to preservation and respect for wildlife. Like his namesake, Theodore Roosevelt, he stands as a gentle yet powerful reminder of stewardship, heritage, and the enduring importance of conservation.

5. Bear Name: Porcelain Home
Sponsor: Tom and Sue Fazio
Artist Name: Stephan Croese, AC Hyder
Beneficiary: The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County

Welcome Porcelain Home, generously donated by Tom and Sue Fazio. A powerful reflection of creativity, resilience, and the voices of local youth. Designed and painted by Club members Stephan Croese and AC Hyder, Porcelain Home draws inspiration from classic blue and white pottery, featuring imagery that celebrates the beauty, culture, and traditions of North Carolina. Their work brings a thoughtful and personal perspective to the piece, showcasing both artistic talent and a deep connection to their community.
Woven throughout the design is the influence of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Rather than hiding imperfections, it highlights them, honoring the story behind each piece. This philosophy mirrors the spirit of our region and reflects North Carolina’s strength and renewal in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, reminding us that there is beauty in rebuilding and moving forward together. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

6. Bear Name: Sweet Carolina
Sponsor: Patsy and John DuPre
Artist Name: Phyllis Vaughn , Linda Blount
Beneficiary: The Art League of Henderson County

Created by artists Phyllis Vaughn and Linda Blount in their first collaboration, Sweet Carolina celebrates the warmth, the spirit, and the natural beauty of North Carolina by wearing a bright touch of whimsical Southern charm wherever she goes. She is reminder that visual arts bring joy to the broader community and that art has the ability to unite, uplift, and transform lives. John and Patsy DuPre happily support the Art League of Henderson County’s mission to provide access to the visual arts. The Art League fosters creativity, inspires learning, and nurtures a vibrant arts community in our region.

7. Name: Love Lights the Way
Sponsors: Marthaler Jewelers
Artist: Bethany Joy Adams
Beneficiary: Crossnore Communities for Children Hendersonville

Marthaler Jewelers is honored to present Love Lights the Way, painted by the talented Bethany Joy Adams (her 10th bear!), for Crossnore Community for Children. Their opening webpage boldly states. “The way to hope and healing.” Foster care and the well-being of children is personally near to our hearts, and we couldn’t imagine a better organization to receive the benefits from Love Lights the Way. The colors, and especially the lightning bugs, are symbolic of hope to remember through the darkest of nights and circumstances. There is hope because of the caring community at Crossnore and the amazing people who support them.

8. Bear Name: Under My Wing
Sponsor: Smart Start Partnership for Children
Artist: Leo Gironda, Jillian Hooper
Beneficiary: Smart Start Partnership for Children

At Smart Start Partnership for Children, we believe every child deserves a strong, nurturing beginning. We work alongside families and educators to ensure children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive. This year’s bear carries a powerful message: “Under My Wing,”. It represents the care, belonging, and guidance every child needs to grow. Just as wings provide shelter and lift, our community helps children rise with confidence. Our artists from the Hendersonville Career Academy—Leo Gironda and Jillian Hooper—are shining examples of this support in action, using their creativity to bring this vision to life.

9. Name: Treasure Bear
Sponsor/ Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc.
Artist Name: Andrea Martin
Beneficiary: Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc.

Please meet Treasure Bear, sponsored by the Friends of Carl Sandburg, and painted by the wonderful artist, Andrea Martin. It depicts the mountains, rivers and parks that are so central to our lives in Henderson County. The beneficiary will be the Friends of Carl Sandburg, who support our own national park – the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. The theme is America’s Public Lands: National and State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites. These special places celebrate what we love about our country, show us who we are, and protect us into the future. Public Lands are indeed America’s Treasures!

10. Bear Name: Ethereal Guardian
Sponsor: Curated Consignment Boutique, Charlie's Angels Animal Rescue
Artist Name: Marisa Stewart
Beneficiary: Charlie's Angels Animal Rescue

 The Ethereal Guardian: an enveloping blanket of snow, a veil of fresh spring leaves, an indulgent breath of golden light, a nourishing cloak of colorful foliage; she sweeps boundlessly across the mountains, devoted to even the most delicate forms of life. It is her duty to protect all who find themselves in her domain, to imbue within them resilience, and encourage each of them to bloom. Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue carries that spirit—a sanctuary for animals left behind. We provide protection, compassion, and healing, helping every animal that passes through our doors to grow stronger and find a new beginning.

11. Bear Name: Lux
Sponsor: Fans of Flat Rock Playhouse

Artist Name: Sam Goodrum, Bailey Youngblood
Beneficiary: Flat Rock Playhouse

 Lux, created by Youngblood and Samantha Goodrum, embodies the levity and illumination the arts bring to our world. Just as stained glass remains flat until light reveals its color and movement, the performing arts transform stories into vivid, shared experiences that feel immediate and deeply human. At Flat Rock Playhouse, live performance enlightens, inspires, and connects our community in meaningful ways. Like light passing through glass, theatre shifts perspective, sparks emotion, and brings people together. A symbol of creativity and radiance, Lux reflects how the arts brighten our region and invites us to see storytelling in a new light.  

12. Bear Name: A Common Thread
Sponsor / Beneficiary: The Arts Council of Henderson County

Artist: Rachel Vera, Hanna Thompson

"A Common Thread,” the Arts Council of Henderson County’s newly painted bear, celebrates the spirit of unity within our local arts community. The bear is adorned with quilt-inspired block squares, each representing a different arts nonprofit working to enrich the cultural life of Henderson County. Just as individual quilt pieces are stitched together to create something stronger and more beautiful, these organizations collectively form the vibrant fabric of our local arts scene. “A Common Thread” symbolizes the shared mission that connects artists, organizations, and community members, reminding us that when creativity and collaboration come together, the arts truly thrive.

13. Bear Name: Emilie and Bauer, Caeruleīs Vestītae
Sponsor: Anonymous
Artist: Dr Joy Coe

Beneficiary: Veritas Christian Academy

Meet Emilie and Bauer, a mother and baby pair, painted in whimsical patterns and brilliant colors reminiscent of 19th Century Austrian artist and father of Art Nouveau, Gustav Klimt. Emilie and Bauer are a nod to models featured in some of Klimt’s works. Emilie and Bauer is created by Joy Coe, artist and art teacher at Veritas Christian Academy.  The works of Klimt inform and inspire several projects in the PreK - 12th Grade art program at Veritas. The mission of the Veritas Art Program is shaped by the belief that every child is an artist, created in the image of God, and that when we are creating, we are acting in harmony with our highest calling of reflecting God’s glory into the world. Proceeds from Emilie and Bauer will expand the art program at Veritas Christian Academy, making quality art programming accessible to all students.

14. Bear Name: Remem-bear Me
Sponsor: United Community Bank
Artist: Anthony Acosta-Oviedo
Beneficiary: Interfaith Assistance Ministry

Remem-Bear Me celebrates Mexican American heritage, inspired by Día de los Muertos traditions of remembrance and connection. The skeletal design and vibrant marigolds (cempasúchil) symbolize honoring those who came before us and keeping their stories alive. Created in Hendersonville, NC by artist Anthony Acosta-Oviedo, this bear reflects the growing diversity and strong sense of community that defines our region—bringing together culture, art, and shared experience in a meaningful way. Sponsored by United Community Bank, Remem-Bear Me benefits Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM), supporting neighbors across Henderson County through access to food, emergency financial assistance, clothing, and essential resources. Together, this piece honors the past, celebrates the present, and reflects the strength of the community we continue to build.

15. Bear Name: Hope and Grace
Sponsor: Hope Coalition Board
Artist Name: Alicia Eddy
Beneficiary: Hope Coalition

Meet Hope and Grace, two kind and inspiring bears who believe in the power of connection, brought to life by artist Alicia Eddy. Connecting with hope and grace IS the foundation of Hope Coalition, a substance prevention and recovery coalition serving youth and adults in Henderson County since 2013. Help us share the healing power of Grace and Hope to those who have challenges with substance misuse and need recovery support. We all know the world needs more hope and grace! Hope Coalition is here to nurture hope and grace and build the bridges that make hopeful connections happen!

16. Bear Name: Atohi
Sponsor: BMW of Asheville
Artist: Courtney Hoelscher
Beneficiary: United way of Henderson County

Atohi is a name of Native American origin and calls upon one of the fundamental beliefs of the Cherokee -- trees are known as the "standing people," and they symbolize longevity. Their firm roots provide a sturdy foundation, and their ever-growing status will encourage us to keep on going, no matter how the world changes around us. Similarly, United Way of Henderson County is firmly rooted in our community and stands tall in the face of need or despair. We are here to support all of our community and demonstrate that united is the way.

17. Name: Patches
Sponsor: Spinx
Artist: Sammy Jean

Beneficiary: Henderson County & Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity

New to the area and grateful for a chance to connect, Spinx is proud to sponsor "Patches" in support of Habitat for Humanity. Painted by local artist, Sammy Jean, the design concept and artistry were done with home, heart, and community in mind; the common threads that tie the sponsor, artist, and non-profit together. Inspired by the feeling of home, Sammy painted a quilted bear, designed to convey comfort, joy, and inspire a sense of nostalgia, a throughline found in all her work. "Patches" reminds us to work together, see joy and beauty, and never let go of our childhood wonder.

18. Bear Name: Fur Seasons
Sponsor: Hajoca Hendersonville
Artist Name: Paula Beckett Davidson, Chloe Davidson
Beneficiary: Black Mountain Home for Children

Hajoca Hendersonville Plumbing Supplies and Showroom is proud to introduce “Fur Seasons” to benefit The Black Mountain Home for Children. Artist Paula B Davidson collaborated with Hajoca staff and created a beautifully rustic ambling bear, playfully celebrating Henderson County’s famous four seasons. Change, like our seasons, is inevitable--but with strong roots, we stay stable, grounded, and embrace goodness when it comes our way. We are thankful and honored to support organizations like Black Mountain Home for Children, equipped with support from the community, who are here to mentor and root for the youth that they so lovingly serve. We hope you enjoy our bear as much as we have enjoyed creating it!

19. Bear Name: The American Star Bear
Sponsor: Hendersonville Woman’s Club
Artist Name: Sarah W. Maupin
Beneficiary: Henderson County Education Foundation

The Hendersonville Woman’s Club proudly sponsors The American Star Bear, created by artist Sarah W. Maupin, in support of the Henderson County Education Foundation. Designed as a tribute to the 250th anniversary of our nation, this patriotic Bearfootin’ Bear draws inspiration from the American flag’s stars and stripes, reimagined through geometric quilt patterns for a look that is both classic and dynamic. Centered primarily around the traditional Ohio Star quilt pattern, the design also incorporates a rose motif, honoring the rose as the national floral emblem of the United States. Rendered in shades of blue with touches of dark mauve and red, The American Star Bear beautifully blends Americana, artistry, and heritage. Through this sponsorship, the Hendersonville Woman’s Club continues its long tradition of enriching our community through service, while helping the Henderson County Education Foundation invest in students, schools, and opportunities that help every child reach their full potential.

20. Bear Name: The Light Eaters’ Dream
Sponsor: Anonymous
Artist: Theodore Sharps, Marcia Walker
Beneficiary: Mountain Aging Partners

Meet The Light Eaters’ Dream—a bear that seems to know more than it’s saying. Created by Theodore Sharps and Marcia Walker for the 2026 Bearfootin’ Art Walk, it draws from Zoë Schlanger’s 2024 book "The Light Eaters," documenting the unseen ways in which plants quietly communicate, share resources, and make decisions—challenging the boundary between plant and animal life. Like the living systems that sustain and connect us, Mountain Aging Partners supports caregivers and older adults in our community—helping them age with dignity and independence. Join us in celebrating art that shines a light on compassion, connection, and the steady work of caring for one another—so that No One Ages Alone.

Since 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit.

Get ready to unleash your wild side and join us for the biggest tradition of the season!  Mark your calendars for Wednesday May 6th, 2026  when the excitement hits its peak at the Hendersonville Welcome Center Stage on South Main Street with the grand unveiling of the Bearfootin' Bears! Before these magnificent bears take their place on Main Street, you'll have the exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with them at the reveal event.  Prepare for an unforgettable spectacle as we reveal this majestic masterpiece to the world in all its glory.  

In recent years, our bear sponsorship interest has continued to increase. While for several years, first come, first served worked well, we have received incomplete applications due to sponsors rushing to complete their application first.  

The following changes will be made for how bears will be acquired for the Bearfootin’ Art Walk & Auction: 

1. Nonprofits may be the beneficiary of only ONE bear per year. If multiple sponsors choose the same nonprofit, they will be asked to provide an alternative organization in order to allow as many nonprofits to benefit as possible each year. 
2. Application – Application will go live Monday, October 27 and will close on Sunday, November 2 at 11:59pm. Applications must be completed in full. The application does not guarantee your bear. The application will include: 
   • Type of bear (Standing, mother & cub, all fours) 
   • Single point of contact for communications related to the Bearfootin’ Artwalk and Auction
   • Sponsor Name (name to be included on plaque)
   • Nonprofit Beneficiary name
     • NEW – you must confirm with your selected nonprofit that they agree to be the beneficiary of your bear. To certify that, you will be asked to include the contact information for the nonprofit that has approved your application. 
     • Applications will be considered incomplete without confirmation from the nonprofit’s executive director or board chair. 
   • Agreement to the rules outlined in the application (listed below) 
3. Application Review – the following will be considered grounds for your application not to be selected: 
   • In previous participation, the applicant neglected to fulfill or abide by terms of the sponsor agreement.
   • Incomplete application within the designated period (October 27 – November 2)
   • Ineligible nonprofit (see below) 
4. There will be 20 bears in the program annually. If there are more than 20 completed applications, they will be selected by random lottery on Monday, November 3. (As organizing nonprofit, the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville will automatically receive a bear annually). 
5. Sponsors will be notified of selection by Tuesday, November 4.  
   • All sponsors must pay for the bear within one week of selection. If payment is not made within the time period, another application may be selected.  
   • You may make payment by check or credit card. Please note that credit card fees will be added. Checks will be made out to the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville. 

Bearfootin' Sponsorship Rules:

Bearfootin' Sponsors who have applied to to participate in this program are subject to the terms of the following agreement.  Should the sponsor or parties involved with any particular bear not be in compliance with the rules listed below may forfeit their right to participation in the program. All parties acknowledge: 

1. The idea of the bears is to benefit the nonprofit and not promote/represent the nonprofit. Many bears that have sold for the ‘buy now’ price of $10,000 were because of the artistic design of the bear and not the nonprofit. We highly suggest that the bears be attractive as a piece of art rather than an advertisement. 
2. The artistic nature of the display and agree that the sculpture may not be used as a commercial advertisement for the Sponsor. No logos shall be used. Creating bears in the likeness of individuals or affixing items to the sculpture is strongly discouraged. 
3. The Sponsor will select, commission and consult with an artist as to the design and appearance of the finished bear. We require that the design concept be submitted prior to work on the sculpture. This is an opportunity to share lessons learned and not intended to exert undue influence on the design. Actual design concepts or a written description of the design shall be submitted to tjacobs@hvlnc.gov on or before February 7, 2026. 
4. Sponsorship does not constitute ownership of the sculpture.  
5. Friends of Downtown Hendersonville will purchase on behalf of the Sponsor one unfinished bear sculpture with which to create an originally decorated bear. 
6. Upon completion of the bear, the fully decorated bear will be given an automotive grade clear-coat finish and mounted on a platform for display at a downtown location selected by Friends of Downtown Hendersonville. No design elements may hinder the clear coating process or its installation on the platform. i.e. glued on or attached elements not compatible with the protective clear coat or the platform. 
7. Friends of Downtown Hendersonville will provide a plaque titling the display and identifying the sponsor(s), artist(s), and non-profit beneficiary. 
8. Friends of Downtown Hendersonville will provide promotional materials and publicity acknowledging all contributions. 
9. Friends of Downtown Hendersonville will produce a “Bear Reveal” event in May 2026 and a public “Bear Auction” in October of 2026. 
10. Auction sale proceeds will be divided between a charity (beneficiary) of the sponsor’s choice and Friends of Downtown Hendersonville. Beneficiaries can expect to receive 100% of the proceeds for any amount over $3000. The first $3000 will be split 50/50 with Friends of Downtown Hendersonville.  
11. Nonprofit Eligibility: For a nonprofit to be a beneficiary, eligibility is determined by the following standards. Should it be discovered that a nonprofit does not meet the standards, the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville reserve the right to change the benefitting nonprofit, in consult with parties involved with the individual bear (artist, sponsor, etc). 
    • Must be an IRS Certified 501(c)(3), unless specific exception is made by the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville 
    • Must be in good standing with all licensing entities and boards or commissions, if applicable 
    • Must have a presence within Henderson County, unless a specific exception is made by the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville. 
    • Must not be debarred from receiving state or federal funding under any state or federal program