6-29-2025 4:49am

Studio B Art Gallery Announces Award Winners in "3 Bears" Exhibit

Lesley Misko Editor

by Jane Stahl

Note: please excuse the glare--reflections of light off the glass--in several photographs below.

Juror Paul Stahl awarded nine cash prize awards to eight artists in Studio B Art Gallery's "3 Bears" exhibit that opened Friday, June 27, 2025.

Donna Unger's acrylic "In Your Face" was awarded Best in Show.

Awards for Artistic Excellence included

“The Bog,” a Color Film Photograph by Denise Romano Bright

“Rollin’ in the Grass,” an Acrylic by Joanne Dietz

“Napkin,” a Photograph by Beth Hussar--an entry part of "The Calendar Girls" calendar project coordinated by Debbie Spleen as a fundraiser for Boyertown's Senior Center.

“Grizzly Path,” an Acrylic by Bob McGee

“Bare Branch w/ Cowbird,” a Collage by Deborah Meehan

“Bear Hug 2”-Artist Proof, an Intaglio print by Melissa Strawser

“Barren,” a Cold Wax painting by Donna Unger

“Totally Bare,” a Photograph by Hector Zelidon

Artists were 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.”

“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 and other non-profits.

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. 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.