Vandals target bear art project

Several fiberglass bears decorated by local artists in the Ban Bare Bears project were damaged by vandals during their stay at Acacia Park, and organizers are reluctant to expose the statues to more abuse.

A number of the bears scheduled to be displayed at the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center until Friday are at other locations.

"We didn't want to encounter our bears being outside without protection, risking more possible vandalism," said Cynthia Zupanec, member of the Promotions Committee for the Ban Bare Bears project and promotions director at Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group. "It was a proactive move to protect the bears."

"Bearman Jack," created by Cindy Weller, and his radio equipment received the brunt of the abuse when the vandalism took place in late May.

"All the stuff on the top of the desk was ripped off, the CDs and the microphone," Weller said. "I'm kind of frustrated. As an artist, I'm so disappointed by how our community responded to these guys."

Artist Alisa Meier, who worked on "Ima Goodtogo" with Trish Morris, still views the project as a success.

"Vandalism -- sure it's bad, but when you place it outside and make something vulnerable, you know something may happen," Meier said. "This has been a fabulous experience for us. It was just a thrill to have people interacting and saying 'wow.'"

Along with the damage to "Bearman Jack," a fishing reel was stolen from "Barely Fishing," the hat of "Stevie Ray Bear" was broken and there was knife damage to "Hot Rod Bear."

Most of the damaged bears have been repaired, but some bears are still being mended, including "Bearman Jack."

The bears are in three of the initially planned locations -- Antlers Plaza, the Colorado Springs Airport and Colorado College -- as well as the First Community Bank, American National Bank, IMA in Denver, Colorado Technical University, N.E.S. Inc., Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, the Bank at Broadmoor and US Bank.

The bears will move to the Shops at Briargate on Saturday, where they will be displayed until they are auctioned from 5 to 8 p.m. June 25. Original sketches of the bears will also be auctioned. Proceeds will benefit the Pikes Peak Mental Health Group and Aspen Diversified Industries.

Minor incidents of vandalism have been associated with similar art projects in Chicago and St. Paul, Minn.

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