Before the show opened, Valerie Rogers, the show's promoter, presented Mary Ortwine of Mare's Bears with a Winner's Certificate. Her bear was selected to appear on the front of the Collector's Invitation Postcard.
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Ken Yenke asked for the microphone to congratulate Bright Star and Valerie for the 20th Annual Show in Ann Arbor, Michigan and to encourage artists to participate in shows.
"Collectors love to meet you and see the bears in person rather than over buying on the Net," Ken remarked.
Ken is a bear appraiser and author of bear books used to identify and extend knowledge of the history of bears.
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Twenty-three artists set their exhibit up before the sun came up, then enjoyed a cup of coffee along with Weber's delicous pumpkin muffins. "The coffee get's me started," said Norman Roberts, husband to Celia Roberts of CMR Huggables.
Dale Junker was selling 'flat' bears! The artists buy yards of mohair fabric used in making their bear creations.
He drives thousands of miles a year, criss crossing the United States and participating in shows.
"Fabric is where it all starts," he says. |
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Betty S. of Warren, Michigan was delighted with her 1906 American Hecla Teddy Bear.
"101 years and still looking good!" she said, "I should look so good by then."
Rare and old bears were seen at the show.
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Ken Yenke appraised collector's old vintage bears throughout the show with proceeds going to Good Bears of the World.
Dianne M, from Ipsilanti, MI brought in her Grandmother's American 20" Etna bear for appraisal. Bear was made in 1906-1907 and in excellent condition for being 100 years old. Knowing how valuable and history of the old bear was, Dianne had a big smile on her face! |
Surfacing for an appraisal was a 1950 Burg Bear. Lisa C, from South Lyon, MI was happy to know that her little beloved bear had a real value.
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Artists placed their bears on the contest table and collectors had the hard choice of deciding which bear they liked the best. They dropped thier vote tokens in the boxes.
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Diane Watt's real fur bear heralded the fall season with multiple colors.
Paw pads were fashioned of embroidered leaves. Colorful ribbons and leaves adorned his collar too. |
Voted the Best of Show by the attending collectors, Mary Ortwine of Mare's Bears won a colorful ribbon presented by Valerie Rogers. "It must be my lucky dress," said Mary. "I've been presented with so many awards today!"
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Betty Franks of BJ's Bears, captured the collector's attention with her raggedy bears and a nautical theme to your exhibit. |
Marylin Hill, of Bears&More with Heart dressed little bears in costumes reflecting various professions. |
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Good Bears of the World's Executive Director, Terrie Stong chatted about the organization which was formed to gift bears to those in need of a hug. Your donations help buy more bears which help place bears in Police and Emergency vehicle or where a 'hug' is needed.
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Karen Sampson, Hobart Bears created colorful small bears that bounced right off the table and into collector's arms.
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Donna Hager, Hager Bears' were dressed for the occasion with sweaters, lovely bonnets that adorned with silk flowers and fancy ribbons. |
Every half hour door prizes were given and Marie N. from Canton, MI (a regular attendee of the show) won a darling bear from BJ's Bears. You can tell by her big smile how happy she was. Bear matched her outfit, "how lucky is that?" she said! |
Flying in from Albuquerque, NM, Mark Nisson of Mark's Bears displayed his smiling bears. Fairly new to bear making, Mark enjoyed meeting new collectors and visiting family while in Michigan.
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Jacquie Pollitt, Threadbears charmed her collectors with her contagious smile and variety of bears. She creates in recycled furs and mohair. "I love going to antique malls and discovering accessories to inspire me to make bears," she said. Many of her bears wear vintage clothing such as shoes, coats, hats and play with toys. |
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Barbara Sixby, Zucker Bears was able to smile and keep her eyes open throughout the show. Why? She flew the red eye special from California to Detroit arriving at 5 a.m., participated in the show, then caught the evenign flight back home. "I have classes Monday morning," she said. |
| A good time was had by all, collectors and artists alike. As the artists packed up their few remaining bears, many were sad that they will not see each other until next year, when once again they repeat the setting up process and shows open their doors. "It's hard saying goodbye but the bear hugs are always great," said Valerie who's show producing season came to a close. "We'll see you in Florida in February!" Celia waved. |
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| Lisa Allmendinger. reporter for the Ann Arbor News, covered the show and published an article in Community Life secton on October 13, 2007. Thank you Lisa for your wonderful report and discovering Teddy Bears in Ann Arbor! |
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Check the calendar listing and
visit a show near you.
Shows give you the opportunity to meet the aritst, see the quality of their work and the variety of bears.
Bearhugs too!
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3428 Hillvale Road 
