The hunt for Bearable Art

June 29, 2005

Visitors to Northern Michigan can expect to find plenty of black bears on the prowl this summer, thanks to the sponsors of the Hunt for Bearable Art.
A fundraiser for the American Red Cross, the “hunt” has enlisted some of Michigan’s most talented artists, who have added a splash of whimsy to more than 45 lifesize bear sculptures on display throughout the region. The bears have been sponsored by businesses, community groups or private donors.
From Central Lake to Cheboygan, it’s possible to track the bears using color brochures available at local chambers of commerce. You can even get to know the bears by name, including Aurora Beary Alice; Shakesbear; Bear Boating and Rock Bottom, to name a few.
On the evening of August 13, the bears will gather for an auction under the stars at Bay Harbor. Honorary chairs Doug and Melanie Johnson have an evening of food, fun and competition planned for the culmination of the bear hunt. All proceeds from the auction will benefit local services of the American Red Cross.
The Northern Lower Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross provides services to Charlevoix, Emmet, Antrim and Cheboygan counties. Contact the Red Cross for more info or for tickets to the Art Auction by calling 231-348-7666; on the web at
www.arcnlm.org, or visit their office at 2350 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey.