Review
by Vera Lisa Smetzer &
Daphne Blau
On March 29
the 2nd Annual New England Spring Teddy Bear Show
showcased thirty artists from across the US and Canada
delighting a steady stream of teddy bear collectors. Held in the
beautiful Event Center at CR Sparks in Bedford, New Hampshire,
this year’s event benefited The Teddy Bear Fund, whose goal is
to help underprivileged children in NH communities.
The Gallery,
featuring one of a kind creations, greeted collectors in the
lobby. These awe-inspiring show exclusives by such celebrated
artists as Peggy Deyle, Barbara Burke and Linda Klay dazzled
guests and many were adopted. A number of different species were
represented including the rabbit, skunk, dog and of course the
bear. In the main room sunlight, beautiful displays and the
enthusiasm of the artists welcomed visitors. The excitement was
contagious and collectors were soon adopting new bears and
making trips to the car with their bags.
Demonstrations
were held throughout the day. “Designing Bears” with Jackie
LaRochelle of Bearied Treasures had the audience taking notes.
Debra Travers of Hearts Ease Bears offered beautiful and
creative ideas in her workshop “Decorating with Bears”. Kelly
Graham of Ted E. Graham Originals inspired everyone with her
“Needlefelting” demo. Fred Slayter of The Paisley Bear captured
the attention of adults and children alike with his famous Roly
Poly bears.
Door prizes
were a huge hit again this year. Collectors anxiously awaited
the hourly drawing in hopes of winning a show gift certificate
to put towards the purchase of a new bear or supplies. The hourly
kids drawing had them jumping up and down with delight to win
their very own plush bear. Teddy Bear & Friends magazine donated
special plush Steiff bears and copies of John Lamb’s teddy bear
mystery novels which were also given away.
Bears made
with recycled furs were popular at the Spring show. Long time
collector Bev Newman brought her mother’s fur in hopes of
finding an artist to make a bear out of it. Susan Fitzpatrick of
Collectible Heirloom Teddy Bears will do just that for her. Of
the show Bev said “I’ve been attending bear shows for many years
and this is definitely one of the best I’ve ever been to.”
Another collector exclaimed “Many of these artists are ones I’ve
read about in the magazines. I can’t believe they’re here!”
For many of
the artists and collectors the New England setting was very
appealing. Steven Clark of The Bear Guys, who calls Ontario
home, looks forward to allowing extra time next year for a bit
of sight-seeing. Many bear artists such as Janet Wilson of
Handmade Treasures in Pennsylvania echoed this same sentiment,
hoping to make a trip to Maine next time. A bit of snow fell the
day before the show, delighting artists from warmer climates
such as Sharon Barron of southern California.
Event Planner
and bear artist Daphne Blau of Back Road Events continues to
keep bear artistry and collecting alive and well in New England
with yet another beautiful, high quality show making artists and
collectors alike feel welcome and appreciated. Sandi Rexford of
Snowy Day Bears said “I enjoyed the show. It was classy and well run.
The Gallery added a nice touch.” Ellen MacMaster of ‘Em Bears
said “Daphne is a wonderful promoter who doesn’t miss a thing.”
Next years New England Spring Teddy Bear Show will be held April
25, 2009. Save the date! For more bear collecting in New England
this year be sure to check out the exciting activities Daphne
has planned for the annual Maine Teddy Bear and Fiber Arts
Show being held in Wells, Maine on July 26, 2008. It will
benefit Habitat for Humanity.
The Gallery:
The Gallery benefiting The Teddy Bear Fund!
New this year, The Gallery featured one of a
kind exclusives made by artists just for this event.
Demonstrations:
Designing Bears with Jackie LaRochelle
Decorating with Teddy Bears with Debra Travers
Needlefelting with Kelly Graham
Making a Roly Poly with Fred Slayter (At his booth #11)
Participating
Artists:
Back Road Bears -
Daphne Blau, NH
Barron Bears -
Sharon Barron, CA
The Bear Guys -
Steven Clark & Shane Elliott, Ontario
The Bear Holding Company - Linda Klay, MA
Bearied Treasures - Jacqueline LaRochelle, ME
Bears of the Abbey - Susan McKay, Ontario
Canna Bear Paint - Margaret & Kelly Zimmerman, NY
Carolyn Lamothe Collection - Carolyn Lamothe, MA
Charlie's Bear - Annette Carman - CT
Collectible Heirloom Teddy Bears - Susan Fitzpatrick, MA
Cookie's Critters - Donna Nielsen, NY
Edinburgh Imports - Pete Eppolito
'Em Bears - Ellen MacMaster, NY
Hadmade Treasures - Janet & Alex Wilson, PA
Hearts Ease Bears - Debra Travers, VT
Irene Heckel Originals - Irene Heckel-Volpe, NY
Karen's Treasures - Karen Searl, MA
My Apple Tree - Cindy Malchoff, NY
Paisely Bear - Fred Slayter, ME
Peggy's Teddies - Peggy Deyle, NY
Raspbearies - Vicki Stephan, MA
Snowy Day Bears - Sandi Rexford, VT
Stewart Studios - Deborah Stewart, MA
Ted E. Graham Originals - Kelly Graham, CO
Teddy Bear & Friends Magazine - Susan Fitzgerald,
Publisher
The Teddy Bear Fund - NH - The Non-Profit Organization
the show will benefit!
Undergroundbear Factory - Anna & Andrea Vey, NH
Wee Treasures - Diana Lind, NH
Wuv 'n' Cuddles - Barbara Burke, MA
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