The Roaring Art of Diversity Through Bears

Native American Bear- reflects the beauty of nature and history. Images include a rabbit, turtle, roadrunner,eagle, coyotes, California Poppies, shells, beads and logo from the Juanero Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen. Elizabeth Ortiz for Orange Appeal
Asian Bear- celebrates the "Year of the Dragon" from 2012. It was created in rock, stones, glass and a image of an Asian mask with ceramic shards from a Chinese vase. Elizabeth Ortiz for Orange Appeal
Ceramic bears show up on campus to celebrate diversity. Look closely to see different images made from ceramics, glass and stones. Elizabeth Ortiz for Orange Appeal
The Grandfather Bear- stands tall towering over the others in unison to honor the founders of Mission Viejo.

Listen to a radio news story that has been featured on KSBR about nine ceramic bears placed in front of the library at Saddleback College.

Artist Aileen May and Joy Aldrich collaborate with the city of Mission Viejo and Friends of the Arts to celebrate diversity within the community. The project started in 2012 and each individual bear represents a particular race that makes up part of the senses within the city of Mission Viejo. More then 4000 people have experienced the visual aspect of the bears and the two artist hope to have them travel to different public locations in the future.

Taking a closer look, each bear is uniquely designed with elements of a culture that represent one particular race. Eight different races make up the majority living currently in Mission Viejo including Asians, Latinos, African Americans, Persian, Pacific Islanders, South Americans, Europeans and Native Americans. These bears colorfully display diversity. There is also a grandfathering bear which represents the city’s founding fathers.