I will be visiting the world famous Ross Park Zoo Teddy Bear Artists Invitational show in Binghamton, NY on August 19-21, 2004 for the third year running (click on logo at right to visit their website).

This is the TBAI’s tenth year supporting endangered species, and the magic of this international show and sale is a wonderful experience — absolutely stunning...and a collector's paradise!

Each year the TBAI features an annual benefit of teddy bears done to a selected theme by all attending artists. This year's theme is a "Tribute to Broadway" which will feature a Gallery Reception of absolutely stunning, one-of-a-kind artistry incredibly depicting Broadway Shows. These wonderful creations were made expressly for TBAI 2004. Proceeds from Gallery sales directly benefit Endangered Species.

"The Wind in the Willows"

My scene I will be donating is from "The Wind in the Willows" and is contained in a box which shows when young Mole is introduced by Ratty to the springtime delights of the River and its ways. They are joined by dear old Badger and Otter for lunch as they watch Toad in his brand new sculling boat.

The size of the animals range from Toad 3cm (1¼”) high to Badger 10cm (4”) high. The box is 28cm (11”) square x 7cm (3”) high and is hand painted and decoupaged on the outside with the same scene as inside and around the base the river bank map of where the animals live.

The cast of my "Wind in the Willow" piece

Above: The beautiful hand painted decoupaged box that the set comes in.

Right: The box opens to reveal the scene from "Wind in the Willows" where young Mole is introduced by Ratty to the springtime delights of the River and its ways.