 Photo: Erik Bergen, Placer County Tahoe Public Art is pleased to announce that funds have been secured in an effort to make ‘Ursa Mater’ aka Penny Bear remain permanently in Tahoe City in Heritage Plaza.
With the help of community volunteer efforts, and a significant grant from Placer County, funds were raised to keep Penny Bear permanently. Tahoe Public Art has been working on securing a permanent placement for ‘Ursa Mater’ since early April. Volunteers and the community of Tahoe City were instrumental in making this vision a reality. Artists Bob and Lisa Ferguson created our beloved Penny Bear; standing 12 feet tall, this sculpture represents love and protection as a mother bear embraces her two small cubs. This sculpture is meant to be interactive, as the 203,000 pennies that coat the outside of the sculpture are clear in view and make for a tactile experience. This public art experience has been made possible by the cooperation and collaborative efforts of Tahoe Public Art, Placer County and TRPA. Heritage Plaza, a property owned by Placer County, and maintained by TCPUD, was designed with the intent of having Public Art and also enhance regional public beach access. We would like to thank the greater Tahoe City community, private sponsors, and the cooperation and consideration of Placer County for funds and placement; without whom, none of this would be possible. |
