‘Bear-lieve It Or Not,’ Carol Smith Has Done It Again

Newtown artist Carol Smith has painted a nearly life-size fiberglass bear for Northwest Connecticut’s Chamber of Commerce and that work of art is now on view as part of “Bearlieve It or Not.” The event is a collaborative public art project that is meant to support Litchfield County and promote tourism, enhance the visibility of local artists, build a sense of community throughout the region and beautify the business districts and towns.

The 5½-foot tall bears are made from a fiberglass-polyester resin mix that is strong enough to withstand normal wear and tear. The outer surface is primed white and given to artists to create their masterpieces.

Business and community members were invited to participate by sponsoring individual bears. Ms Smith, who has participated in similar events in the past including last year’s “CHAIRish the Arts” (in which artists started with matching chairs and individualized them) for the same organization and a previous “Bear Affair” in 2007, is being sponsored this year by Center Subaru in Torrington. Her bear, following the dealership’s request, has been done has been as a rally race car driver. His name is Rally.

“I now know all sorts of things about car rallys, something I never even knew existed before a month ago,” Ms Smith said with a laugh about a month ago. “The bear’s paint job is loosely patterned on the Travis Pastrana/Christian Edstrom Rally team.”

A collection of 26 bears have been decorated for this year’s project, which remains on view until October 29.  Ten bears from previous collections have also been put back on public viewing.

A map of where all of the bears are located is available online at nwctChamberOfCommerce.org/bear_map.asp. Rally is, appropriately, on view at Center Subaru, 45 Winsted Road in Torrington. Other bears have been placed in Canaan, Cornwall, Harwinton, Litchfield, New Hartford, Torrington, Unionville, Washington and Winsted.

The public has an opportunity to try for prizes while searching for all of the bears in the collection. Details about the prizes are also available on the Bearlieve It or Not maps, available at the above link.

Once the public exhibition period ends, sponsors have the opportunity to retain ownership and possession of their creation by purchasing their bear. Bears that are not purchased by sponsors will be sold at the Bearlieve It or Not auction to be conducted at Lippincott Van Lines in Winsted on November 13.

The auction will be held to raise money for LARC, the oldest charitable non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families and the community of northwest Connecticut; and Northwest CT Chamber Education Foundation, which, founded in 2007, provides initiatives and educational programs benefiting residents and visitors of the region.

For additional information about “Bear-lieve It or Not” call 860-482-6586, send email to bears@nwctChamberOfCommerce.org or visit BearlieveItOrNot.com.