ADAMS, Mass.— The town will welcome a new kind of visitor as part of a community-wide public art program, bringing more than a dozen fiberglass bears that organizers hope will spark community pride and attract visitors.

 

"Adams Bear Zone Parade is a community-wide public art initiative that will bring painted fiberglass bear sculptures to high-visibility locations throughout downtown Adams," Kate Gigliotti, a member of the ProAdams board of directors, said during the Select Board meeting on Aug. 19. 

 

ProAdams is looking for local businesses, organizations, and individuals who would like to sponsor a bear with a one-time investment that covers two years of display.

 

ProAdams is a nonprofit established in 2012 to promote and honor the character of Adams by driving growth and creating vibrancy for residents, businesses, and visitors, Gigliotti said. 

 

It’s known for beloved community events including Thunderfest, Ramble Weekend, and most recently the holiday home decorating contest. 

 

There are three sponsorship options available: a small baby bear, medium mama bear, and large baby bear. 

 

Baby Bear stands approximately 36 inches tall and is priced at $1,500. Mama Bear measures approximately 66 inches high, 27 inches wide, and 23 inches deep and is priced at $2,500. Papa Bear, the largest of the three, measures approximately 48 inches high, 63 inches long, and 30 inches deep and is priced at $3,500.

 

Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in sponsoring a bear can contact AdamsBearsOnParade@gmail.com for more information. 

 

Sponsorship commitments are requested by September 25 to ensure inclusion in the initial artist matching process. 

 

Sponsors will receive prominent recognition on a placard displayed at the bear’s location. Sponsors will also be featured on printed and digital Bears on Parade maps distributed throughout Berkshire County, as well as on ExploreAdams.com.

 

Additionally, they will be included in paid social media advertising promoting the program and have the option to take possession of their bear once the two-year display period concludes.

 

"Sponsors underwrite the cost of each piece, and the sculptures form a public art trail that draws visitors and gives residents something to be proud of," Gigliotti said. 

 

The organization is aiming to have 20 sponsored bears and already has seventeen bears committed. 

 

"We applied for grant funding from the Mass Cultural Council with additional grant applications to come this fall, and began a preliminary solicitation of businesses and individuals to sponsor these bears," Gigliotti said. 

 

According to the press release, the bear forms are produced by Cowpainters, a women-owned studio that has worked with cities and nonprofits nationwide on similar public art fundraising initiatives.

 

The concept behind the project is a familiar one, with communities across the country launching similar public art initiatives over the years.

 

"They've been doing that in Bennington [Vt.] for quite some time," Select Board member Joseph Nowak said. 

 

The Berkshires already draw visitors, and a public art trail gives them another reason to visit downtown and stay a little longer once they arrive, Gigliotti said. 

 

"It is a meaningful way to put local artists in front of a wide audience and connect them with local businesses who wish to support the art," she said … 

 

"And maybe most important in my mind, is that it creates a pride of place. Our town deserves vibrancy, and projects like these bring energy and excitement to residents." 

 

In the coming weeks, when sponsorships are finalized, there will be a call for local artists to submit 2D design concepts for bears. 

 

"Sponsors will then have an opportunity to choose a design and an artist that fits their business or organization, or work directly with the artist on something more tailored," Gigliotti said. 

 

"Artists will then begin working on the forms in the winter for delivery by spring. We are targeting Memorial Day weekend 2027 for an installation unveiling, and from there the sculptures will be in place for approximately two years." 

 

The organization has worked with Town Administrator Nicholas Caccamo to review potential locations for the bear statues, including the Hoosac Valley Train Rides, Adams Library, Greylock Glen, Adams Visitor Center, Park Street, Summer Street, and more. 

 

"We can't wait for Memorial Day 2027," Select Board chair Jay Meczywor said.