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Artwork pictured is "Take Out," an acrylic painting on board by Bob McGee, artist of the Accountant Bear, installed on East Philadelphia Avenue by the railroad tracks.
by Jane Stahl
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Bear Fever, Boyertown’s community art project, Studio B, 39 E. Philadelphia Ave. in Boyertown, PA, announces the opening of an art exhibit entitled “BEARS” on May 2, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. featuring a show of works by the creators of Boyertown’s Bear Fever sculptures. The exhibit will run through June 22, 2025.
Twenty years ago, we debuted over 30 Bear Fever sculptures at Boyertown High School’s annual Art Expo. Each of the sculptures were 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.
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,” adds 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! Today there are over 90 sculptures within the Boyertown area. A few sculptures have travelled with their sponsors outside the area. A map and locations chart are available on Studio B'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. 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. But we hope they will attend the opening to be recognized and to help us celebrate the project’s longevity and success.
The Bear Fever project was ecognized for its contribution to the Boyertown community on April 12, 2025, at the annual Citizens of the Year event. We were honored to be recognized but it is the entire community that has embraced the project and deserves the recognition.
Studio B:
Studio B, located in the heart of historic Boyertown, is the home of the Arts and Activities Alliance, a committee of Building a Better Boyertown, a nonprofit Main Street program dedicated to revitalizing small towns.
Studio B celebrates lifelong learning, creativity and personal involvement in the visual and literary arts, offers opportunities to enhance creativity, health, and wellness through the arts and seeks to be a dynamic part of Boyertown community, a “go to” destination for learning, fun and friendship. The studio seeks to showcase the work of fine artists in themed exhibits—some juried, some open to all—and welcomes art in diverse media. In addition to art exhibits and classes, Studio B also hosts catered dinners for service clubs and small groups, gallery talks, and “Getting to Know You” opportunities.
More News from Boyertown
- BASH Class of 1975 Looks Back: The Official Class History The Expression joins the Class of '75 in looking back on its high school days. Check out their official class history.
- Tonight Boyertown Class of 1975 Celebrates 50!! Boyertown Area Senior High (BASH) class of 1975 reunites tonight to celebrate 50 years since graduation.
