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Artwork copyright . Isabel Sim Hamilton. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1993 (detail).

Ursa Major: Bear-Inspired Art

From mythology to fables to children’s stories, the bear is one of the oldest and most widespread symbols in folklore, enduring throughout many cultures as a symbol of strength, protection, and family bonds. The human fascination with bears extends from as far back as the Paleolithic era into the present day. They continue to capture the imagination of artists and writers in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

–Curated by Rhys Heath, ArtsWA My Public Art Portal Photo Archive Assistant (September 2018).