The Bears
1. A Roman Bear
Artist: Alessia Cis – LAHS Student
Sponsor: Karen Greguras
Starting bid: SOLD
20″ Sitting Bear
A brown bear donning a white and red toga, an SPQR broach, sandals, and a golden wreath. Various representations of Roman history can be found on the toga of the bear including; the colosseum, the Pantheon, and a statue of Juno.
2. Arty Bear
Artist: Gregory Deane
Sponsor: Jamesy and Joansie – Joan LeMahieu & Jim Forster
Starting bid: $3,500
5’2″ Standing Bear
Bear in pants and tee shirt with a small canvas in his hand, brushes, etc. Paint is spilled over him.
Gregory Deane is a California artist specializing in expressionist painting. His work features fields of color and organic texture paired with free movement and drama. Deane is represented in many galleries across the US and Europe. He had a solo show at the Accademia Gallery in Florence, which houses Michelangelo’s David. Deane is the only American artist to exhibit in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
A bonus for the highest bidder! An exclusive visit to the Gregory Deane Art Studio in Palo Alto!
3. Big Bauer, the Builder Bear
Artist: Carol Worthington-Levy
Sponsor: Darryl Thom – Bruce Bauer Lumber
Starting bid: $3,500
5’2″ Standing Bear
Builder Bear is dressed for construction, wearing blue jeans, boots, tool belt, and hard hat. The bear’s shirt is made of building plans. He is standing on a construction deck, big and tall. Big Builder Bear is ready for any job, big or small.
4. LAVA Bear
Artist: Linda Maki
Sponsor: Los Altos Village Association
Starting bid: $495
20″ Sitting Bear
This bear depicts a few of the Los Altos Village Association events: flowers and veggies for the Farmers’ Market, Easter basket for the egg hunt, colorful holiday lights for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and an artist palette for the Arts & Wine Festival.
5. Cal Bear
Artist: Rachel Bindiger – LAHS Student
Sponsor: Bob Adams, Ron Stefani – Los Altos Rotarians
Starting bid: $495
20″ Sitting Bear
Cal bear dressed in blue and gold, ready to cheer for the team!
6. California Poppies
Artist: Deb Shea
Sponsor: Judy Miner
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
California’s state flower is showcased against green fields.
7. Callie's Eco Story
Artist: Uma Kelkar & Alka Writes
Sponsor: Debby Meredith & Curtis Cole
Starting bid: SOLD
8′ Community Bear
Our bear, Callie, was designed to have a fictional view as seen from a vantage point between two California Redwoods. From Yosemite to rolling hills of East Bay done in the style of Eyvind Earl, we suggest endemic flora starting with Blue Lupine to Orange Poppies on Calllie’s Eastward side. California melts into valleys and cliffs and welcomes the Pacific Blue on the Westward side marked by Bixby Bridge and two towers of Hearst Castle as legendary manufactured landmarks. Lest a viewer gets lost in the peaceful landscape, Callie’s rear left foot reminds the viewer of fires that are part of the California ecosystem. Callie’s front foot shows a shimmering texture that reveals low light conditions adding dynamic interest to a monolithic sculpture.
8. Can You See Yourself in California?
Artist: Morgan Bricca
Sponsor: Beverly Dale
Starting bid: $10,000
8′ Community Bear
Our community’s diversity that makes us beautiful is shown against a background of the area’s natural beauty. This grizzly bear sports a garland of poppies and redwood sprigs, as well as apricot blossoms representing Los Altos, CA. The Santa Cruz mountains featured on the grizzly’s chest provide a breathtaking backdrop to our bustling town and an easy escape into the redwoods. Our community is blessed by the cultural diversity of our immigrants, represented by the different fabric patterns featured in the cape. I asked fellow Los Altans who were first- or second-generation immigrants their favorite fabric patterns from their native culture. The bear’s cape features Russia, Vietnam, China, Mexico, Korea, India, Japan, and Iran. The fabric designs are overlaid on a traditional serape design, and the cape is hemmed with the bright colors of traditional Mayan embroidery. I included elements from indigenous peoples in the dream catcher, including sacred feathers of the red-tailed hawk and the California condor. I hope this bear serves as a reminder that it is the diversity within our community that makes us beautiful.
9. Cheers Bear
Artist: Rachel Tirosh
Sponsor: Susie & Neal Mielke
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
Background of light sky, drawing of vines and patches of green vineyards appear on this bear. He wears a wine-themed shirt and has a wine goblet in his paw. “Cheers” in different languages is painted on the base.
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Dancing
Artist: Diana Suvorova, Jolisa Eisenman, Andrea Estrada – Art Changes Us
Sponsor: Jeanne MacVicar
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
A geometric-inspired pattern of earth, sky & clouds incorporating emotive, multicultural symbols and colors that express the joyful dance of life as we emerge from the darkness of hibernation.
11. Colorado Wildflower Bear
Artist: Bella Sturiale, Jackie Hu, Lauren Soobrian – LAHS Students
Sponsor: Karen Greguras
Starting bid: SOLD
20″ Sitting Bear
Colorado wildflowers, such as Lupine, Columbine, Blue Bells, and Indian Paint Brush, decorate this bear. A small red fox and a soaring eagle are part of the environs, just like the snowy mountains in the background.
12. Construction Bear
Artist: Karen Druker
Sponsor: Patrick Kavanagh – Kavanagh Construction
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
Just like Patrick Kavanagh, this bear is ready to design and remodel high-end custom homes. He carries a board, hammer, and various tools necessary for construction.
13. Crazy Rich Bears
Artist: Jordan Fong
Sponsor: Chef Lawrence and Ruth Chu
Starting bid: $9,888
8′ Community Bear
Crazy Rich Bears is named after the Jon Chu film Crazy Rich Asians. The bear’s images and symbols bring good luck and good fortune to whomever comes in contact with this bear. Its vibrant red represents luck, joy, and happiness in Chinese culture. A Chinese dragon – a symbol of great power, strength and good luck – is extensively used in this bear’s design. Dragons are considered to be spiritual creatures of good luck, prosperity, and rain as well as a deity that brings forth harmony.
The design begins with a dragon’s head painted over the bear. The dragon design continues along the bear’s spine, and its scales can be seen coming to a wisping end at the dragon’s tail. Dragons are also believed to be able to create clouds with their breath, which also represents good omen and good luck. The Chinese word for cloud is pronounced quite similarly to the word YUN meaning “luck” or “fortune”. White and yellow flowing drapery pattern represents a traditional gown worn at Chinese Lion Dance often performed at Chinese festivals or big occasions to bring prosperity and chase away evil spirits. These clouds of good luck surround a traditional Chinese symbol of good fortune, hitting home the theme and hopes of bringing good luck and good fortune to all.
14. Cupcake
Artist: Carol Worthington-Levy
Sponsor: Kathy Paster
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
Absolutely yummy!
15. Fiduciary Bear
Artist: Karen Druker
Sponsor: baker tilly US, LLP
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
Fiduciary Bear is a pro at making money. He has dressed the part of a money whiz, with a hat, dress shirt, coat, and tie. The Wall Street Journal keeps him up to date in the financial world.
16. Field Guide
Artist: Field Guide
Sponsor: Sally & Mario Chaves, David Smith, Mike Kerr, Phil Rose, Cindy & Dennis Milligan, Wendy Walleigh, Shelley Emerson, Karen Greguras, Sandy Mingia, Vicki Oldberg, Brian Ward – Los Altos Rotarians
Starting bid: $3,500
5’2″ Big Bear
Honoring Los Altos Public Library, this bear represents a font of knowledge and classification. The background of the bear is painted with local grasses. Butterflies native to Santa Clara County cover the bear like a living encyclopedia of butterflies. Butterflies have their names below each image. Can you name them all?
17. Gardener Bear
Artist: Karen Druker
Sponsor: Karen Druker
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
A companion for any garden, this bear is dressed ready to garden. GB holds a garden hose and bucket of lemons, accompanied by flowers showing the fruits of labor.
18. Gone Fishin'
Artist: Ayla Studio
Sponsor: Bonnie Burdett Walker – Prime Fiduciary
Starting bid: $3,500
5’2″ Big Bear
This lovable bear has advanced his fishing skills to a whole new level. He will make a great addition to your mountain home or your high country ranch. Either way, you contribute to a great cause, the good work of the Los Altos Rotary Club.
19. Grandpa Sam
Artist: Los Altos High School Students
Sponsor: Janet Harding & Barbara Shukov
Starting bid: SOLD
20″ Sitting Bear
This bear represents a loving grandfather wearing a pair of Hawaiian-print shorts to represent his love for Kauai, his favorite rowing shirt, and a yellow hat. The back of the shirt has text that reads “Rotary Club of Los Altos” and a Rotary symbol. Underneath it, there are 5 pawprints, one for each of Grandpa Sam’s five grandchildren.
20. Grinn & Bear It
Artist: Jane Lombard & Matija Peterlin
Sponsor: Vivi Chan & Jane Lombard
Starting bid: $3,000
5’2″ Big Bear
Front of bear tells the story of 2020, local happenings, and disasters. It is a grinning bear with symbols of hope and solidarity. The back is global, with folk patterns from different cultures, showing we are all one together.
21. Handy Andy
Artist: Karen Druker
Sponsor: Los Altos Hardware
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
The Los Altos Hardware store is stocked with anything and everything Handy Andy needs. This bear is ready to take on any project, large or small.
22. Hang 10
Artist: Jane Lombard
Sponsor: Ken DeLeon & Michael Repka – DeLeon Realty
Starting bid: $3,000
5’2″ Big Bear
A Surfer Bear, ready to hit the waves.
23. Health & Wellness
Artist: Karen Druker
Sponsor: Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
This bear shows all aspects of living healthy. One leg features “Eating Right.” The other leg stresses the importance of exercise. Also noted is the importance of regular checkups, getting out in nature, good mental health, weight control, avoidance of recreational drugs, and alcohol moderation.
24. Historic Los Altos
Artist: Ayla Studio
Sponsor: Roy & Penny Lave
Starting bid: SOLD
5’2″ Big Bear
This bear contains sketches of a number of notable, iconic, and historical buildings, other facilities and features. Some images are shown on a city map. The buildings were chosen because they have been preserved (Community House, Neutra House, railroad station) and some because they have been destroyed, like the movie theatre. If you love old Los Altos, you will love this bear.
25. History Museum in Honor of Jane Reed
Artist: History Museum Artists
Sponsor: Dick Henning, Mary Prochnow, Marge Sentous, Donna Verna, Allart Ligtenberg, Sandy Mingia, Neil Bonke, Steve & Beverly Shepard – Los Altos Rotarians
Starting bid: SOLD
5’2″ Big Bear
26. Honey
Artist: Deb Shea
Sponsor: Crysta Krames & Clayton Peters
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
A honey bottle bear, so sweet, even the bees cannot keep away.
27. Hospitality Bear
Artist: Roy Mao – LAHS Student
Sponsor: Courtyard by Marriott Palo Alto Los Altos
Starting bid: $395
20″ Sitting Bear
Dressed as a hotel bell boy, eager to help patrons with their luggage.
28. I Have Your Back, Like You Have Mine
Artist: Sudnya Shroff
Sponsor: Ginny & Rich Strock
Starting bid: $3,500
5’2″ Big Bear
“The ultimate, hidden truth of the world is that it is something that we make, and could just as easily made it differently.” David Graeber
29. Koda, the Bridgepoint Friendship Bear "Cocoa"
Artist: Suzanne Small
Sponsor: Bridgepoint at Los Altos
Starting bid: $395
20″ Sitting Bear
Warm, sweet Cocoa is just waiting to be decorated with favorite scarves, hats and wreaths!
30. Leland
Artist: Bruce Tanner
Sponsor: Douglas Tanner
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
A member of the LSJUMB parades on the field.
31. Los Altos High School Eagle
Artist: Rachel Bindiger – LAHS Student
Sponsor: Susie & Neal Mielke
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
This bear proudly wears the eagle, the mascot for Los Altos High School on a Los Altos High School hat and shirt. There is a small National Art Honor Society logo. Go Eagles!
32. Lovely California
Artist: Deepti Nanawati and Artists at ArtCircle Studio
Sponsor: Karen Druker
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
Art students have depicted favorite scenes of beautiful California. ArtCircle Studio is a creative environment to develop art, explore techniques, mediums , styles and showcase your art. Along with learning, the Studio is a friendly community of artists that supports each artist’s journey. ArtCircle Studio enables exploration of basic drawing and painting. A personal and relaxed attitude is encouraged in a constructive atmosphere.
33. Miss Daisy
Artist: Barbara Bussler
Sponsor: Crysta Krames in honor of Mike Abrams
Starting bid: $750
20″ Caring Bear
A “Daisy Bear” painstakingly created with black glass tiles and small daisy flowers (millefiori from Italy). The finish is smooth and silky to the touch. Miss Daisy is truly a beautiful work of art and will enhance her surroundings wherever she is – home or garden.
34. Mountains Are My Happy Place
Artist: Ayla Studio
Sponsor: Sally Chaves
Starting bid: $750
20″ Sitting Bear
A lady hiker ready to hit the mountain trails. She is fully outfitted to hike and camp, with backpack loaded with supplies and has a lighted campfire to roast marshmallows. This bear carries a hand-made “Bear” Walking Stick.
35. My Garden
Artist: Rose Hagan
Sponsor: Diana Neiman
Starting bid: SOLD
3′ Caring Bear
A beautiful garden of flowers decorate this bear.
36. Nanuk, the Polar Bear
Artist: Barbara Bussler
Sponsor: Stan Scardino and Susan Estrem
Starting bid: $750
20″ Caring Bear
In Inuit religion, Nanuk (meaning polar bear) was the master polar bear who decided if hunters deserved success in hunting bears and also punished violations of taboos. The word was popularized by Nanook of the North, the first feature-length documentary. Our Nanuk is a very friendly “she” polar bear with jewel like mosaic pastel tiles with arctic hues.
37. Native Bear
Artist: Emily Zhu – LAHS Student
Sponsor: Kathy Berry
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
Painted with decorative colors and symbolic patterns of Native American Tribes.
38. Ode to Spring & Freedom of Women
Artist: Ayla Studio
Sponsor: WomenSV
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
Harriet, Mama Bear Mascot of WomenSV, is adorned with symbols that represent the journey of other Mama Bears from Oppression to Freedom.
39. Ohlone Bear
Artist: Alyssa Manche, Naomi Ichiriu – LAHS Students
Sponsor: Clari Nolet, Lindsay Carpenter, Sally & Mario Chaves – Los Altos Rotarians
Starting bid: $595
3′ Caring Bear
This bear depicts the traditional Ohlone woman wearing a tule reed skirt with colorful ribbons and beads. She also wears a traditional cape, with bead and shell necklaces adorning her neck.
40. Poppies Galore
Artist: Gary Bukovnik
Sponsor: Carol Dabb, Art Consultant
Starting bid: $1,500
3′ Caring Bear
Stunning California Poppies are painted on a white background. Gary Bukovnik is a world famous artist and is represented by all major museums throughout the world. Bukovnik’s beautiful coffee table art book will be awarded to the highest bidder.
42. Raptor Bear
Artist: Floy Zittin
Sponsor: Jeffrey Diamond – DDS Legacy Dental
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
Beautiful Bay Area local species of birds of prey grace this bear on the front and back. A bird fancier’s delight! Can you find these 18 birds? Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey , Northern Harrier, White-tailed Kite, Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Burrowing Owl, Short-eared Owl
43. Room for Success
Artist: Tess Dakin
Sponsor: Brenna Preston – Room for Success
Starting bid: $395
20″ Sitting Bear
Beautiful vibrant colors liven up wherever this bear lives….. just like Room for Success livens up a college dorm for students off to school and away from home for the first time.
44. Season Ticket Holder
Artist: Ayla Studio
Sponsor: Lonnie Gary & Dennis Young – Young, Craig & Co.
Starting bid: $3,500
5’2″ Big Bear
A true San Francisco fan! Can you imagine how much fun it will be to take this guy to a tail gate party?
45. Service Above Self
Artist: Ayla Studio
Sponsor: Ron Labetich, Arley Marley, Marlene Cowan, Suzanne Small, Sam & Janet Harding, Joanne & Jim Kavalaris, Chuck & Ilona Lindauer, Jean & Barbara Mordo, Steve & Beverly Shepard – Los Altos Rotarians
Starting bid: SOLD
5’2″ Big Bear
The contributions of Los Altos Rotary are celebrated! Flags representing Los Altos Rotary Club world projects, logos of grant recipients, Rotary 4-Way Test, Los Altos Rotary Club projects and events are depicted.
46. She Chef
Artist: Ayla Studio
Sponsor: State Street Market
Starting bid: SOLD
5’2″ Big Bear
A top chef uses the finest local produce to create satisfying food for her customers.
47. Shoup Park Bear
Artist: Anthony Jin – LAHS Student
Sponsor: Dennis Young
Starting bid: $395
20″ Sitting Bear
48. Smokey the Bear
Artist: Yash Nasikkar – LAHS Student, Radha Nasikkar, Saee Nasikkar
Sponsor: Neil & Karen Bonke, Donna Verna, Margie Edwards, Crysta Krames & Clayton Peters, Nancy Traficanti (in memory of Al), Mel Kahn, Sally Meadows, Dick Henning, Lina Broydo, Geri Acers, Suzanne Small – Los Altos Rotarians
Starting bid: $3,000
5’2″ Big Bear
The nation’s most beloved fire preventing bear is in Los Altos! Smokey the Bear has touched and saved countless lives through numerous posters and catchy phrases reminding people to be mindful when visiting forests. To capture Smokey’s essence, I painted the fur to resemble the flaming enemy, using browns and oranges. Also featured are his iconic blue jeans, gold SMOKEY buckle, and classic brown ranger hat. Smokey is more ready than ever to take on fire-fighting feats along with his trusty shovel. Go around the back, and you will see patches around his belt, hat, and back pockets. At 77 years, Smokey is still reminding us that only WE can prevent disasters and preserve the history within parks for future generations.
49. Tahoe Blue
Artist: Jane Lombard
Sponsor: Marc & Katie Roos
Starting bid: $3,000
5’2″ Big Bear
A bear enjoys skiing the powder at Lake Tahoe.
51. The Town Crier
Artist: Jackie Hu, Yelena Tao, Samantha Zhang – LAHS Students
Sponsor: Kathy Lera & Dennis Young – Los Altos Town Crier
Starting bid: SOLD
5’2″ Big Bear
An 18th century Town Crier reports the news.
52. Uke-A-Bearly
Artist: Carol Worthington-Levy
Sponsor: Candy Pelissaro
Starting bid: SOLD
3′ Caring Bear
Decked out in his aloha shirt, this bear strums his ukelele.
53. Working from Home
Artist: Jennifer Makower
Sponsor: Jennifer Makower
Starting bid: $750
3′ Caring Bear
Attired in Kalvin Cub boxers, coat and tie, this bear is ready for his next Zoom call!
54. World Wealth, Happiness & Prosperity
Artist: Ayla Studio
Sponsor: Cynthia Wemyss – Edward Jones
Starting bid: $3,500
5’2″ Big Bear
This beautiful bear is a veritable artistic museum! Ancient monies are shown in beautiful detail. An extra for this bear! A base decorated with more coins and world currencies will accompany the bear.
