the 2018/2019 The Black Bear Project
The organization’s 2018/2019 Black Bear project is to place a bronze statue of a Mama Bear and her cubs at the Baw Beese Walking Trail the fall of 2018.
A Mama Bear and two cubs will be a visual and interactive means of increasing education of indigenous species for the people of Hillsdale. Beginning with a Mama Bear, our artist will then make cubs that children can play on. This bronze commemoration of native animals which formerly inhabited this area will preserve our local heritage for present and future generations. Along with raising awareness for wildlife no longer present in Hillsdale County, it will also provide a means of tourism and recreation for its people. The Black Bears will be climbable for children and something with which they can interact. The finished project will be located along the Baw Beese Trail for the enjoyment of all walkers, runners, bikers, etc. Although these will have the most exposure to the piece, it will also affect all of Hillsdale County by providing a place for tourism and beneficially creating ambiance, environment, and energy in Hillsdale. Unveiling of the Bears is scheduled for Fall of 2018.
Our Youth Counsel will help with research for the project to provide an accurate representation of Black Bears. They will also directly aid the artist by heating the clay which is initially in a hard brick form that needs to be molded. By learning about the sculpting process from Heather, they will also gain valuable experience which they can later share with the community in future projects. Our Youth Council will gain an artistic knowledge with their participation in this project which can they share with Hillsdale County in the next generation.
Project artist
The Bears will be created by sculptor Heather Tritchka, M.A., whose work includes Hillsdale College’s Winston Churchill statue and The Heritage Association’s Winona statue.
A Mama Bear and two cubs will be a visual and interactive means of increasing education of indigenous species for the people of Hillsdale. Beginning with a Mama Bear, our artist will then make cubs that children can play on. This bronze commemoration of native animals which formerly inhabited this area will preserve our local heritage for present and future generations. Along with raising awareness for wildlife no longer present in Hillsdale County, it will also provide a means of tourism and recreation for its people. The Black Bears will be climbable for children and something with which they can interact. The finished project will be located along the Baw Beese Trail for the enjoyment of all walkers, runners, bikers, etc. Although these will have the most exposure to the piece, it will also affect all of Hillsdale County by providing a place for tourism and beneficially creating ambiance, environment, and energy in Hillsdale. Unveiling of the Bears is scheduled for Fall of 2018.
Our Youth Counsel will help with research for the project to provide an accurate representation of Black Bears. They will also directly aid the artist by heating the clay which is initially in a hard brick form that needs to be molded. By learning about the sculpting process from Heather, they will also gain valuable experience which they can later share with the community in future projects. Our Youth Council will gain an artistic knowledge with their participation in this project which can they share with Hillsdale County in the next generation.
Project artist
The Bears will be created by sculptor Heather Tritchka, M.A., whose work includes Hillsdale College’s Winston Churchill statue and The Heritage Association’s Winona statue.
