‘Mentor Rocks the Bears’ gets artistic

Artists can showcase their talent and beautify their community during “Mentor Rocks the Bears.”

Local artists have a unique opportunity to showcase their talent and beautify their community during “Mentor Rocks the Bears.”

Ten artists will be selected to each design and decorate a 3-foot-tall bear sculpture that will be on display for a summer-long public art exhibit throughout the city of Mentor, according to a news release.

After a summer on display, the bears will be auctioned with the proceeds going to support art in the community.

These bears are a blank slate ready for creativity, the release stated. They can be painted on, sculpted, transformed or otherwise adorned.

The artists selected to participate will receive a $500 honorarium, two free tickets to the final auction, and publicity on social and traditional media, as well as The Mentor Channel.

The contest is open to all Lake County artists 18 years and older. Application forms are available at Wildwood Cultural Center and www.mentorrocksthebears.com.

Completed application forms, including a bear design, resume and work samples, are due by March 29. They can be mailed or delivered to: City of Mentor, 8500 Civic Center Blvd.; Mentor, OH, 44060, ATTN: Mentor Rocks the Bears.

Artists whose designs are selected will be notified and announced by April 3. The finished bears will be unveiled to the community during a special program on May 31.