The Gold Star Program annually recognizes model community arts, humanities and science projects funded by the 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) across the state. These projects celebrate diversity, foster collaboration, showcase artistic excellence and provide learning experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Easthampton City Arts’ Bear Fest project is one of 6 programs throughout the state to earn a Gold Star designation.  The Easthampton Cultural Council nominated the Bear Fest for the Gold Star Award and also provided funds to support the initiative.

Easthampton City Arts launched the 2009 Bear Fest on June 13, 2009, bringing thousands of visitors to the City. The Bear Fest, an exhibit of 35 life sized fiberglass bears, which were painted and decorated by local and regional artists, was displayed throughout the downtown area for four months. The festival was ended with a week long celebration of the arts throughout the city and a live auction of the bears to benefit art programs in Easthampton Public Schools, the Riverside Industries art program, the artists who painted the bears, and ECA for future programming. 

In total, Easthampton City Arts raised over $130,000 from sponsors of the Bear Fest, the auction sale of the bears themselves and grants received to support the Bear Fest.  In turn, ECA expended $54,500 to benefit the arts, including $28,000 to the bear artists, $8,500 to Riverside Industries, $11,500 to the Easthampton Public Schools and $6,500 for artists, musicians and authors who provided cultural events throughout the Bear Fest.  Additionally, to support the Bear Fest, ECA paid $18,000 to local businesses and over $5,000 to local media outlets.

“I’m thrilled to have helped the Bear Fest and ECA get the recognition it deserves from the Massachusetts Culture Council and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts”, says Marcia Morrison, member of the Easthampton Culture Council who put together the Bear Fest nomination package.

Gold Star awards are nominated by Local Cultural Councils and are evaluated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council based on a variety of criteria including: artistic quality, success in reaching out to underserved constituents, educational value, and ability to engage with the community.

The LCC Program is the largest volunteer-run, grassroots arts funding program in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences annually.

About the Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.

The MCC is committed to building a central place for the arts, sciences and humanities in the everyday lives of communities across the Commonwealth. The Council pursues this mission through a combination of grant programs, partnerships, and services for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and individual artists. The MCC receives an annual appropriation from the state Legislature and funds from the NEA, the Wallace Foundation, and other sources.

On November 19th, 2009 Northeast Center for Youth & Families held a dedication ceremony for Ursa Geat Spirit by artist Marcia Reed. NCYF is proud to be able to place this beautiful bear on permanent dispaly, as a reflection of their ongoing commitment to the Easthampton community and support for local arts programs.

BENJAMIN KILHAM, Author of:
Among the Bears: Raising Orphan Cubs in the Wild

 September 30, 2009
7:00 PM
The Williston Northampton School Theatre
18 Payson Ave. Easthampton, MA

Ben Kilham lives in Lyme, NH where he raises orphan Black Bear cubs and releases them into the wild when they are ready. He is a leading expert on bear behavior research and author. His presentation and slide show will provide fascinating insight into the life and behavior of bears. For more information, go to www.benkilham.com.

This free program is offered to the public thanks to the generosity of The Williston Northampton School, Fleury Lumber, New Beginnings Chiropractic PC and Pure Food Market.

For more information contact Cyndy at 527-3829

Saturday, August 15th 2:00 – 4:00
Easthampton, Enrichment (Senior) Center
19 Union Street

Kids will make up their very own tale and go on a journey to Bear Land where anything can happen. Also join in for an interactive reading of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”, an art project that even bears would love, and other fun…

Saturday, August 15th 2:00 – 4:00
Easthampton Enrichment (Senior) Center
19 Union Street

Come join actress/children’s drama teacher Ilana Meredith for this BEAR related madness!

This FREE program is brought by Easthampton City Arts
For more info and events please call 527 8278 or visit
www.easthamptonbearfest.com

August 8th, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Enrichment Center

August 8, 2:00 -5:00 Celebrate the Bear Fest with the Eric Carle at the Enrichment(Senior) Center. Experiment with colored tissue papers, scissors and glue to create your own tissue paper collage inspired by artist Eric Carle, the author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and illustrator of Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?. Also, catch a screening of the film Eric Carle: Picture Writer in which Eric demonstrates his unique collage process. All ages are welcome to participate! For more information about The Carle, visit www.carlemuseum.org. For more information call Easthampton City Arts 527 8278

Mt. Park Bear

Bumble Bear is also under repairs at the artist’s studio. Please be patient, as Bumble Bear will return shortly to his perch inside Eastworks!

Bumble Bear

Opa-Opa Country Bear Ale

Bear Fest Party & Fundraiser at Opa-Opa

On Wednesday, June 3, from 5-8 p.m., our friends at Opa-Opa Brewing Company will host an Easthampton Bear Fest Fundraiser AND unveil their new Country Bear Ale beer, specially made for the Bear Fest!  Tickets are on sale now at $20, and will include an all you can eat appetizer buffet and your choice of two 16 oz. beers!!   Music, fun and food!

You can purchase your tickets in advance at the Easthampton City Arts Gallery & Office and Eastmont Custom Framing at Old Town Hall at 43 Main Street, Easthampton,  or directly from Opa-Opa Brewing Company in Southampton.

Thanks to:

Opa-Opa Brewing Company
169 College Highway
Southampton, MA
(413)527-0808 for directions or further information!