How big is that bear?
Is this bear really the color I see?
Is the fur soft or firm?
Is the bear really well made?
Do the bear’s eyes express emotions and feelings?
Are those the questions that you, as a collector, ask yourself as you surf around the internet? Do you hesitantly bid and hope that if you win the auction, that the bear really is as described? Do you not bid on a bear that you
 Bev's exhibit table |
A happy teddy bear collector, finding the right bear to hug. |
One of Bev's teddy bears |
think you’d really love because you have never heard of the artist and you are not sure that you will get what you pay for?
Do you visit an artist’s web site and see the latest bear from the studio and still hesitate because you would really like to touch it first?
There is a perfect solution to all your on-line buying woes – COME TO A BEAR SHOW!
All year long there are shows held all over the country where you can go and touch before you adopt a new addition. At a show, you will have the chance to see hundreds of bears and other delightful creatures. You can talk to the artists that made them. You can get answers to all of those pesky questions in a “test drive” of the animal of your choice.
You will know the bear is 12 inches tall – or 2 inches tall. You’ll know your object of affection is a soft honey color, not dirty brown. You can look the bear over and ask its creator about materials and techniques that were used.
Most artists love nothing better than to talk about what they love to do. And what they love to do is make creations for you. So the next time a bear show is being held near you, take some time to indulge yourself and attend.
You are sure to have a great day, have the opportunity to find the perfect addition to your collection and make new friends among the artists and collectors in your area. It will be a day well spent.
"Just a few of the artists waiting to be your friend at a local
bear show," said Bev.
The artists in the picture are (left to right) Shellie Heinemann
(Potbelly Bears); Donna Butts (Yosemite Bearworks); Donna Mettling (The
Bruin Sisterhood); Bev Dodd (Bev’s Bears); Virginia Jasmer (Jazzbears);
Scott MacKenzie (The Bruin Sisterhood) and Bev Haring (Esmerldas).
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3428 Hillvale Road 
