Bearfootin' Art Walk

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