Southfield Launches Fundraising Campaign For 'The Boy And Bear' Sculpture
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ/AP) - The Southfield Public Arts Commission has started a fundraising campaign to recoup money spent on a sculpture displayed at a popular shopping mall for more than 60 years.
Southfield officials say the Free the Bear development campaign includes a public crowdfunding component and corporate underwriting.
The city acquired artist Marshall Fredericks' "The Boy and Bear" and other public art last year from Northland Center's court-appointed receiver for $500,000. The city borrowed money from different funds.
The sculpture depicts a boy riding on a bear's back and Southfield says it had been at Northland from the mall's 1954 opening to its closing last year.
Its new home will be the Southfield Public Library.
Contributions from the campaign also will be used for a permanent art fund in Southfield.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/freethebear. You can also send cash donations or checks (made payable to): City of Southfield, c/o Mayor's Office, 26000 Evergreen Road, P.O. Box 2055, Southfield, MI 48037-2055; indicate 'Free the Bear' on memo line for checks.
The Southfield Public Library Leon Miller Trust Fund will match all donations raised up to $300,000.
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