Bearfootin' Art Walk

Since 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit.

 

 

2026 Bear Sponsorships Interest Form- Complete Here

 

This is NOT a waitlist, but by filling out this form you will be notified when the 2026 Bearfootin' Sponsor Application goes live. Please note that staff does not actively monitor this form, if you have any questions please email info@downtownhendersonville.org.

 

 


20th Anniversary Bear Hunt

2022 marks 20 years of Downtown Hendersonville's Bearfootin' Art Walk! Each year, the program combines local artists, nonprofits and the community to create an interactive art walk downtown, and raise funds for our community. In 2021, we had our biggest auction to date, raising $102,000 for 20 nonprofit organizations.

Now, we're on a hunt to track down the location of our bears over the years and asking YOU to help us out!

Fill out the form if you own a bear, or just spot one in the wild!

Note - for a few years there were painted Apples and Goats! Please feel free to include those too!

Find the bears!