New Bern’s iconic bear statues will get a handmade makeover this summer as part of a community-wide public art project celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, according to the New Bern Yarn Project.
The project, titled “Woven Together for 250 Years,” is being organized by the New Bern Yarn Project in partnership with the Craven Arts Council/Bank of the Arts. From July 2-16, downtown New Bern and the surrounding areas will be transformed into a colorful outdoor gallery as the city’s bear statues are decorated with handmade scarves and cowls created by local makers and volunteers.
Organizers said many of the volunteers are anonymous, and each bear will have its own personality and style. The project is designed to celebrate New Bern’s community, creativity, history, and civic pride while highlighting the work of fiber artists from across the region.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the yarn-bombed bears, take photos, and share them on the New Bern Yarn Project’s Facebook page.
Organizers are asking participants to share which bear is their favorite and what made it stand out, whether it was the location, colors, theme, or story.