Award-winning bears on display

Times staff report

“Bear Rock,” the award-winning sculpture created by Encampment High School art students, is on display at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne through June 14.

The display includes the eight winning designs out of the 35 submitted. Titled “Wild About Bears,” the exhibit celebrates the 20th anniversary of the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. The museum may be named the official wildlife art museum of the United States, pending President Bush’s signature on the bill.

The goal of the museum’s bear competition was to encourage students to pursue wildlife art. By displaying them professionally, students can envision their success as artists. The cash prizes awarded to the schools that created the winning bears help boost art programs.