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Laura Lynn Banner SponsorAug 31, 2006

Hi all,  back again

Well, in the middle of all of what's going on here, the local newspaper is also doing an article on my bears, our Open House show and artist teddy bears in general

She asked if I had anything that had info on the beginning of ARTIST bears.  I remember reading an article in TB&F that was entitled "Artist bear pioneers" or something like that.  I can't find the issue!  I know i have it - but does anyone remember WHICH issue it is?

Thanks

bearlyart Aug 31, 2006

Oh boy, I have a bunch of the older issues, but have no idea.  I did find this in searching the web, but unfortunately have no clue how accurate it is (though it was an interesting read!):

http://bearcouture.free.fr/thebirthofar … dybear.htm

Ummmm, there appears to be code on this board that is affecting that the link.  You're going to need to manually add an apostrophe to that URL to make it work, the board removes it automatically and breaks the link.  (Though why this site put an apostrophe in it in the first place is beyond me.)  So the last part of that URL actually should be:

thebirthofartist'steddybear

NOT

thebirthofartiststeddybear

Best wishes,
Kelly

rkr4cds Aug 31, 2006

What a good-looking Artist site that is, Kelly!

Unfortunately it has committed one of the cardinal sins of omission - after looking at half a dozen pages, I have yet to learn the artist's name or an address (location) other than an email window opening...
Our names should be one of the easiet things to find on our sites.

Tami E Aug 31, 2006

You should ask John Paul Port. His mother was certainly one of the poineers. She was a doll artist and she started making a few bears and selling them at doll shows. She wrote columns about bear in doll magazines etc.  He's part of this list isn't he?

bearlyart Aug 31, 2006

Aha!  Here's a more trustworthy source than my list link, and may even be what you wanted in the first place.  Teddy Bear & Friends' online archive has "The History of the Teddy Bear", which includes mention of Beverly Port and her influence on the birth of the artist bear industry (and I had no idea, she apparently also coined the phrase "artist bear").

http://www.teddybearandfriends.com/arch … story.html

Hope this was what you were looking for!
Kelly

Daphne Sep 1, 2006

Laura, I'm so excited that your paper is doing this article!!!!!
Oooh, now I'm even more excited about your show!!!
Get lots of extra copies of the paper... I want one!!!! :)
Way to go!!!!
:hug:
Daphne

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorSep 1, 2006

Laura, how exciting!

For sure contact John Paul Port.  I've had the pleasure of meeting him in the flesh twice now, along with his friend Denis Shaw.  Can you say INTIMIDATED?  But both of them, totally legends and super-long-timers in our industry, are absolutely charming, ready with a smile, and full of encouragement.  And John Paul is absolutely hysterical.  I'm sure he'd be happy to help you out with any information you might need.  His mom was, indeed, foundational to the concept of "artist bear."

Visit our user info page on him!  You can find his contact info here:

http://www.teddy-talk.com/profile.php?id=547

Laura Lynn Banner SponsorSep 2, 2006

Thank you ALL so very much!!!!  Got what I needed.... and the reporter said I really supplied her with a wealth of research material!  A photographer came and took pics yesterday (yes, it was a very emotionally conflicting day) and I have her a couple of copies each of TBR & TB&F to give to the reporter and herself.

"See ya" all in about a week   :hug:

Jare Hares & Bears Sep 2, 2006

JPP's mom was one of the first modern teddy bear artists.
Ask Mindy if she has any information.
You could contact TBR and ask one of the editors about the information.
Good Luck with your show. I am hoping that mom and I can pop in and check it out.

MKinsey/TBF Editor of Teddy Bear and FriendsSep 7, 2006

In case you're interested, here's what I told Laura when she asked me (I didn't see the post here):

The Pioneers of Teddy Bear Artistry was a series of articles run in 2000. (Yes, it included John's mom. I love Beverly -- great woman, great artist!)

We ran an extensive (some said exhaustive and exhausting) history of teddy bears in 2002, which included info on artists in the later issues.

You know, any time you're participating in a show, published in a magazine, or doing a teddy talk at a local library or club, you should submit a press release to your local paper, with a photo of you and your bears. Local newspapers are hungry for news. A feature is great publicity for you and might lead someone in your hometown to start collecting bears! Yes, I know you're too busy with your life, your artistry, and the business side of the bears -- but if you don't promote you, who will?

And while you're at it, send me pictures!  I still don't have Face Book entries or Bruins 'n Buddies submissions from some of you!

By the way, kudos to Laura, who organized a show in her home, publicized it nationally and locally, AND had time to finish a special project for me.  :clap:

Cheers,
Mindy

PS: If you're writing a press release about being published in TBF, shoot me an e-mail and I'll write you a quote for the release. You can also give them my contact info for further info about the bear world and your brilliance.

chrissibrinkley Sep 7, 2006

You know, any time you're participating in a show, published in a magazine, or doing a teddy talk at a local library or club, you should submit a press release to your local paper, with a photo of you and your bears. Local newspapers are hungry for news. A feature is great publicity for you and might lead someone in your hometown to start collecting bears! Yes, I know you're too busy with your life, your artistry, and the business side of the bears -- but if you don't promote you, who will?

This is a GREAT piece of advice!  And it's so true.  I've been introduced to so many artists, shops and events because a piece was run in the local paper.  I had no idea there was a "knitting cafe" in a local town, owned by a fabulous woman who teaches onsite.  Her work IS art, just gorgeous. 
Again, great advice Mindy! I guess there are 6 "P"s...practice practice practice AND promote promote promote   

:hug:
~Chrissi

Jare Hares & Bears Sep 8, 2006

Well -
I need to remember to send our face pictures to Mindy.

Yes, I need to take the time to get a Teddy Talk developed to present at the local library and school.