11-18-2024 4:04am

Berks County Community Foundation Announces Grant Award for "Three Bears" Project at Studio B Art Gallery

Lesley Misko Editor

by Jane Stahl

Boyertown’s Studio B Art Gallery is pleased to announce a grant award of $8,500 from the Boyertown Area Community Fund, the Boyer Foundation, and the Marlene L. Driscoll Fund of the Berks County Community Foundation for a project planned for summer 2025 entitled “The Three Bears.”

Twenty years ago, the Bear Fever community art project debuted its first 30+ bear sculptures at Boyertown Senior High School's Arts Expo. Since then we've added over 60 bear sculptures to the collection; Studio B Art Gallery has been exhibiting art from hundreds of the area's fine artists; murals are appearing on the sides of buildings around town; and it appears not only that there is still no cure for Bear Fever, but the "fever" to celebrate the importance of all forms of art in our community is spreading rapidly.

"The Three Bears" project's plans include a fine art exhibit; a booklet featuring the community art project Bear Fever; publication of poetry, prose and art on the theme on The Expression; and a host of community activities during June 27-August 24, 2025.

For the past 12 years, Studio B has combined visual and literary art in a project featuring local artists, the publication of the poetry, prose, and art of local writers and artists, and participation from the community in a variety of activities on a particular theme, and the Community Foundation has been an important partner throughout Studio B Art Gallery’s 16-year history.

Including other individuals, non-profits, businesses, and organizations within the community to involve as many families and individuals as possible has been integral to the annual projects and matches the studio’s mission of seeking to be a dynamic part of Boyertown community, a “go to” destination for learning, fun and friendship.

This year’s theme of “The Three Bears” will provide artists and writers an opportunity to explore the many meanings of “bear” and “bare.” “Expect artwork depicting the community’s signature animal—the high school’s mascot or our Bear Fever bears and perhaps "bare" tree branches or human forms. "Bearing a burden" and "baring the truth," among other meanings of the homonyms, will challenge responses from our artists and writers.

The fine art exhibit opening will be held June 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Studio B Art Gallery, 39A E Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown, PA. (In-take of art will take place June 24, 2025.)

Poetry and prose submissions will be shared on the digital news site The Expression throughout the summer of 2025 and during a writer’s reception and reading on June 29, 2025. (Writers and artists interested in having their work published should submit 1-2 pieces of prose, poetry or art to janeEstahl@comcast.net by May 1, 2025. Writers and artists should include a 2-3 sentence bio along with their submissions.)

The Boyertown Area Community Library will invite families to participate in an art activity. Community members, sponsors, and the artists of Bear Fever bears will be invited to share selfies with their favorite Bear Fever bears which will be showcased in a loop on a TV screen in Studio B’s window throughout the summer.

I’m hoping that other individuals, organizations, non-profits, and businesses will find ways to participate in our celebration of "The Three Bears," The Berenstain Bears books were always favorites of my children; perhaps sharing some of those stories or those about Winnie the Pooh will take place as a Storywalk® or during a Sunday afternoon on a Colebrookdale railroad car.

I understand Pokéstops can be found on downtown’s Bear Fever bears. Perhaps a scavenger hunt, Bingo cards, or a pack of Bear Fever trading cards will be created by one of our community members or artists. There are so many creative ways to utilize the theme for an entire summer of family fun celebrating 20 years of Bear Fever.

Berks County Community Foundation
The mission of Berks County Community Foundation is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. Since 1994, our work has been made possible by generous donations from people and donors who created funds to give back in perpetuity. These funds have provided millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support our community. www.facebook.com/berkscountycommunityfoundation/