Bears unveiled at Petroc!

On 6 October, local artists unveiled 25 individually painted bear sculptures at the Lifestyle Centre at  Petroc’s North Devon campus.

The five-foot-tall bears have been taking shape in artists’ studios throughout the summer but were shown together for the first time at the private exhibition ahead of a colourful public sculpture trail in and around North Devon next spring.

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) joined forces with The Art of Fundraising to create a series of trails in and around Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington, Ilfracombe and South Molton. The trails are set to go live in February and members of the public will be able to discover the bears and find out more about the artists using a special mobile app. It is hoped the bears will help raise awareness and funds for CHSW, which provides vital care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. 

CHSW Bear Hunt project coordinator Kate Romo said: “It’s been great to see so much interest in our Bear Hunt Art trail and the event at Petroc gave sponsors and hosts an exclusive sneak peek at all the finished bears together for the first time. We are very grateful to the college for hosting such a special exhibition. With the trail launching next spring, there are still plenty of opportunities for businesses to get involved, either as a trail or bear sponsor, or by becoming a sculpture host.”

For more information about the Bear Hunt art trail visit www.chswbearhunt.org