Return of the painted bears

Artist submissions sought for the Black Bear Film Festival mascots

MILFORD, PA — Every year, during the Black Bear Film Festival and for several months before it, a bevy of artfully decorated bears prowls the streets of Milford. The ninth annual festival, scheduled for October 17 through 19, is currently seeking submissions from artists on designs for this year’s crop of bears.

Artists don’t have to make the sculpture yet, just devise a way to adorn it. The sketch application deadline is Monday, July 21, with bears to be completed by Monday, August 25. On Saturday, August 30, the completed sculptures will be unveiled and placed around the Milford area in front of sponsoring businesses.

From whimsical to funny to outrageous to beautiful, the painted bears are a highlight of each year’s festival. They are auctioned to the highest bidder at the end of the event in an often hotly competitive bidding that is a prime festival fundraiser.

According to Black Bear executive director Nancy Pitcher, the bears draw lots of visitors to the area. “As soon as the decorated bears are placed at our sponsor locations, visitors come to snap photos of the sculptures. People often stop by the festival office to pick up a painted bear map and do the whole tour.”

The life-sized bear sculptures originate as fiberglass hunting targets sold by sporting goods stores. Artists receive $50 toward the costs of materials; bears become the property of the festival for auction purposes.

For an application form, email info@blackbearfilm.com, visit BlackBearFilm.com or call 570/409-0909.