Bearfootin' Art Walk

About 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 non-profit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2020, the Bears raised more than $84,000, and in 2021 we hope to continue the tradition of giving. 

2021 Bearfootin' Program

Our 19th annual Bearfootin' Art Walk is underway!

Bear Reveal: Thursday, May 13, 2021 5pm-7pm at the Tourism Development Authority Stage at 201 S. Main Street
Witness the unveiling of this year's bears before they take their place on Main Street for the following five months! This event will be open to the public with masks and social distancing precautions required by all. We plan on livestreaming the event via our Facebook page.

By mid-May, Main Street will be dotted with 20 uniquely painted bears! 

Bear Auction: October 2021, date and location TBD

2022 Sponsor Interest

Interested in becoming a bear sponsor for 2022? Contact Downtown Events Coordinator Meredith Friedheim at mfriedheim@hvlnc.gov for more information.