BEARS SEEN ON THE STREETS OF CHEROKEE

Eastern Band Artists Create Colorful Diversions; Bears strategically placed to spur business growth and development and to highlight Tribal artists

CHEROKEE, N.C. ­ The town of Cherokee is being overrun by a collection of bears. But, don¹t worry­ these bears are completely harmless. Several Eastern Band of Cherokee artists have created a series of large, life-like fiberglass bears and painted them in bright vibrant colors and designs.

Currently there are 15 painted bears completed, located in various spots around downtown Cherokee. An overall total of 25 bears have been commissioned for painting by Cherokee artists and will be placed in the Central Business District and other strategic areas in town to encourage locals and tourists to patronize area businesses, to instill community pride and to draw awareness for the wide ranging talents of Tribal artists. Many will also be located at the historic Mountainside Theatre.

Previously, seven of the colorful creatures could be seen in town. One of the bears honors the veterans of the Armed Forces and is located at Cherokee¹s Veteran¹s Memorial on Tsali Blvd. Another now decorates the entrance of the Cherokee Youth Center.

"The response to the Bears Project so far has been outstanding," said George Lambert, director of marketing for Cherokee Travel & Tourism. "Each bear is so colorful, but what's most important is that each one tells a story, inspired by our Tribal artists."

The idea for the Bears Project started in 2005 as Cherokee wanted to showcase the variety of talented artists within the Qualla Boundary. A committee researched several ideas prior to selecting a bear theme as they wished to produce something that would be culturally significant. Bears are a large part of the Cherokee culture and it is believed the Bear Clan may have at one time been an eighth clan. The culture currently recognizes the Seven Clan Spirits ­ Bird, Blue, Deer, Hair, Paint, Wild Potato, and Wolf.

Local artist Charles Saunooke is the person credited with spearheading the bear project. He made one for the 2005 Cherokee Indian Fair and named it "Tourism in Cherokee." The bear was painted with moccasins on the back paws and converse tennis shoes in the front that represented the changes in Cherokee over time. Then, the committee came up with the "Larger than Life" black bears and a mold was made. Twenty-five bears were made, painted black, and then the artists took over from there.

The artists responsible for creating the colorful bears are: Joel Queen, Faren Sanders Crews, Helen Smoker Martin, Mario Esquivel, Lora Powell, Melissa Maney, Nikki Nations, Tim Chiltoskie, Marina Robbins, William Harris, Jr. and Jenean Hornbuckle.

For more information about events within the Qualla Boundary, call the Cherokee Welcome Center at (800) 438-1601.