2021 Bearfootin' Art Walk Auction, Wed, Sep 15th, 2021 @ 12:00 PM Accelevents

THIS IS THE 2021 BEAR AUCTION PAGE. TO REACH THE 2022 BEAR AUCTION PAGE, CLICK HERE:

19th Annual Bearfootin' Art Walk Auction

Since 2003, the Bearfootin' Art Walk has helped raise funds for Friends of Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local nonprofits. 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.

Until 2020, 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.

For the 2021 Auction, the Downtown Events Team and Staff are incorporating the virtual bidding format with an in-person event. All bidding will be virtual and will start on September 15, 2021, continuing over the course of a month. Bidding will come to a close with an in-person Countdown Celebration on October 16 from 4-6:30pm, with all bidding closing at 6pm.

What You Need to Know About the 2021 Bearfootin' Bear Auction:

1. All bidding will occur virtually via this website. There will be no in-person bidding. All bidding ends at 6pm EST on October 16, 2021.

2. Bidding begins on September 15, 2021. It’s free to register, and you can bid anytime between September 15 and the deadline at 6pm on October 16. All initial bids will take place via the website. Once you've begun bidding, you will have the ability to submit additional bids via text message. Bidders will receive automatic text notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid.

3. There will be an outdoors, in-person Countdown Celebration on October 16 from 4-6:30pm at the Historic Train Depot at 650 Maple Street. The event will have a lively atmosphere with bells and cheers at each incoming bid, as well as live music, beer/wine and food trucks. The event is free and open to the public. While there will be no in-person bidding at the event, attendees can bid live via their cell phone. There will be a registration booth to help attendees get registered and begin bidding.

4. There will be no proxy bidding. Bidders will receive automatic text notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid. There is no option for 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.

5. Starting bids for all bears will be $1,500 and minimum bid increments are $100.

6. Any bear can be purchased ahead of the bidding deadline at our "Buy Now" price of $10,000. The "Buy Now" option ends Thursday, October 14 at 5 p.m.

7. Bidders do not have to attend the in-person event to be a winning bidder, but winning bidders are encouraged to pick up their the evening of October 16. 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. All bidding is automatically cut off at 6pm on October 16.

8. 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 Friends of Downtown Hendersonville (a 501c3 nonprofit). Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the nonprofit.

Visit the bears on Main Street to find your favorite to bid on, or check them out online with our Interactive Map!

Thanks to our Friends of Downtown Hendersonville Annual Sponsor: Morris Broadband, now powered by Optimum

Friends of Downtown HendersonvilleOrganizer of 2021 Bearfootin' Art Walk Auction