Hendersonville – The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville announced the unveiling of 20 new bear art pieces, which took place on May 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Welcome Center Stage. This event marked the kickoff of the Annual Bearfootin’ Art Walk program, which had become a beloved tradition in the community.
Behind the Bears
Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the stories behind each bear’s creation, including insights into the artists’ inspirations and the nonprofit beneficiaries supported by the sponsors. “Working with Blue Ridge was always a fantastic experience,” said Terrye Jacobs, Downtown Event Coordinator. She emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that “Program instructor, Brian Foster, had been an incredible partner, encouraging community participation from his students in taking care of our bears!”
The event took place outdoors at 201 South Main Street, and attendees were encouraged to bring their own chairs for comfort. Following the reveal, the bears were displayed along Main Street until their auction in October. Since its inception in 2016, the Bearfootin’ Auction had raised over $523,000 for local nonprofits.
Community Engagement and Support
The reveal event featured co-Masters of Ceremony Bryan Byrd, known as HendoEmcee, and Lew Holloway, Community Development Director for the City of Hendersonville. Their involvement highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event and its significance to the local community.
The virtual auction was set to open for bidding on September 25 and concluded on October 25, 2025. More details about the auction and the Bearfootin’ Art Walk could be found on the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville’s website.
The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville was a 501c3 organization dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy of downtown Hendersonville’s Main Street and 7th Avenue Districts. They organized various community events, including the Hendersonville Farmers Market and Rhythm & Brews, fostering a sense of community and support for local initiatives.