6-27-2025 12:49am

Studio B Art Gallery Opens "3 Bears"

Lesley Misko Editor

"Sighting," encaustic by Kristen T. Woodward

by Jane Stahl

In a continued celebration of the 20th anniversary of Bear Fever, Boyertown’s popular community art project, Studio B, 39 E. Philadelphia Ave. in Boyertown, PA, announces the opening of an art exhibit entitled “3 Bears” on June 27, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. featuring a show of works in all mediums from area artists. The exhibit is free and open to the public and will run through August 24, 2025.

Artists are challenged to respond to the word “bear” that holds many meanings, OR to the word “bare” that holds several meanings, OR to one of the Bear Fever sculptures around Boyertown, OR to an aspect about The Fairy Tale “Goldilocks & the Three Bears.”

Prize awards will be announced during the reception. Paul Stahl, the original Papa Bear of the Bear Fever Project, is serving as juror.

“3 Bears” is part of Studio B Art Gallery’s “The Three Bears” project that includes assorted activities inviting engagement of the community in the theme-of-the-year. The project, funded by a grant from the Berks County Community Foundation, includes activities organized by businesses, other non-profits, and individuals.

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. During the summer of 2005, those 30+ bear sculptures appeared throughout the community.

Today, the original sculptures are joined by dozens more—over 90 at last count—and more are “in the works.” “Apparently, this community is still not even looking for a cure for Bear Fever,” quips Stahl.

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.

Visitors are always welcome to view the changing exhibits; take lessons in the visual, literary, and communication arts offered by highly-trained local artists and teachers; and schedule small events or parties.