Bear En Verre (aka "Bear of Glass"), by jewelry artist John Kirsliss, sponsored by and to appear in front of Davis Chant Realty, 106 E. Harford Street, Milford. Kirsliss, who last year created the exquisite slate-covered "Tabula Rasa", is well-known for his magical use of alternative materials in creating bear sculptures.
Zuni Totem Bear, by artist Carol Baker, sponsored by Thomas Duncan Photography, displayed at The Old Lumberyard, 115 Seventh Street, Milford.
	Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!, by Dale Giambra-Currie, a fine artist graduate of Upsala College, who last year designed the amusing, toga-covered "Roamin Bear" . Giamba-Currie’s bear is sponsored by Snyder Quality Llamas, displayed in front of the former Brasseria restaurant at 403 Broad Street, Milford.
Bearyshnikov, by artist Shannon Meincke, sponsored by and appearing in front of Vannatta Builders/ReMax Realty, 204 E. Harford Street, Milford.
	Mortgage Bear, by artist Scott Finley, is sponsored by Priority One Mortgage, displayed in front of their building at 113 Seventh Street at The Old Lumberyard, Milford.
Creature Bear, by artist Alex Troychock, sponsored by and to appear in front of Century 21/Roy Hull, 205 E. Harford Street, Milford.
	(reprise) Uncle Sam Bear, by artist Susan Pisarro, is sponsored by Community Building Projects, displayed at The Old Lumberyard, 115 Seventh Street, Milford.

See last year's 2002 Painted Bears all online

In a project similar to the Painted Cows in New York City, and conceived by artist Maria Torffield, the "Painted Bear Auction" has been a highly visible part of the Black Bear Film Festival from the beginning. What starts out as a hunting target purchased through a local sporting goods store, and sponsored by area businesses, is transformed into a fine art sculpture by area artists.

The Painted Bear Sculpture project began with six bear sculptures the first year, then grew to a dozen and in 2002, they were doubled. This year, bears are being limited to seven. The painted bears capture the attention of Milford and Pike County residents as well as visitors.Until the end of the festival in October, brightly colored bears adorn the streets of Milford to promote the annual Film Festival. Then, during the festival, they are auctioned off to the highest (silent) bidder.

Thanks to the hard work of artist Maria Torffield and her volunteers, Carol Coscia, Lene Hougaard and Nancy Pitcher, the painted bear project swung into action.

The best part isn't even the tremendous amount of money this raises for the festival. The best part is the exposure each artist gains by the high visibility of this project.

The project would never work without the help of area businesses who sponsor the bears. They agree to sponsor a bear, and turn them over to the artists.

During the weekend of the Black Bear Film Festival, the bears are displayed at the Milford Theater, bids taken on a silent auction bidding list (you can keep checking it to see how your bid is faring, and up it whenever you like), and the bears will be auctioned off at the end of the Festival weekend. All money raised will benefit the Film Festival and its community projects.

Top Image: The Painted Bears move to the Milford Theatre in preparation for the beginning of the 2002 Festival.

Middle Image: Uncle Sam Bear by Susan Pisarri.

Go to the 2002 Painted Bears Web Treasure Map to see them all .