Bearfootin' Art Walk Auction
2021 Bearfootin' Auction
Since 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Friends of Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local nonprofits. In addition to raising funds, the bears showcase the community's talented artists, as well as provide a window into the good work being done by nonprofits and community organizations in Henderson County.
For the 17 years the Bearfootin' auctions were hosted in traditional style with a live auctioneer. Then, in response to the pandemic, Friends of Downtown Hendersonville pivoted to a virtual format for the 2020 auction. The virtual bidding format allowed people to bid over the course of a month until a scheduled bidding cutoff. This turned out to be a big success, with the 2020 auction raising more than $84,000, by far exceeding previous years' proceeds.
This year the Downtown Events Team and Staff are incorporating the virtual bidding format with an in-person event. This means bidders will be able to begin bidding as early as September 15, 2021. Bidding will come to a close with an exciting in-person event on October 16 from 4-6pm, with all bidding closing at 6pm.
What You Need to Know About the 2021 Bearfootin' Bear Auction:
Bidders will receive automatic text notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid. There are no reserve/proxy bids, meaning you can’t set a price that the system will automatically bid for you. If you are outbid, you will need to place a higher bid if you wish to continue.
For those who can't attend the in-person event on October 16, we will conduct a virtual Facebook Live event of the auction on the Downtown Hendersonville page. We will start the off by spending time introducing the bears and providing information about how to bid before the clock runs out. All bidding is automatically cut off at 6 p.m.
Winning bidders will be contacted regarding payment and picking up their bear via text and email. Bears can be picked up at the event, or during a scheduled “pick up window” the week following the event. Winners have 5 days to pay or they will be automatically charged on the credit card filed. Alternatively, winners can pay with cash or check. There will be a 2.95% processing fee on all credit card transactions.
About the Bearfootin Art Walk Program:
The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid at the live auction to raise funds for local non-profits and the coordinating organization (a 501c3 nonprofit) Friends of Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville and the non-profit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit.
Visit the bears on Main Street to find your favorite to bid on, or check them out online with our Interactive Map!