REPLACEMENT BEAR is unveiled by Dahlonega Mayor Gary McCullough during Thursday morning ceremony on town's Historic Public Square. (Photos by Margo Booth)

GOURD CHICKENS were created by Mountain Marketplace artists Tim and
Karen Chambers of Highlands, N. C.

LOCAL FOLK artist and Bear on the Square Heritage Sponsor Billy Roper, right, presents three paintings to Bear on the Square committee members for auction at the festival's Live Country Auction, scheduled for Friday night, April 16. Roper, who has a story behind every painting, shares his story about the painting he is holding, "Flowers on a Windowsill," with, from left, Laura J. LaTourette, CFP®, whose firm North Georgia Wealth Management Group is sponsoring this year's auction; Melanie Pruitt, the festival's Auction Chair, and Glenda Pender, Bear on the Square president. On the table are two additional paintings Roper has donated to the auction, "Subconscious Bird with Flowers," left, and "The Head-dress/The Lawyer." A work in progress, an owl being carved out of cottonwood, sits on the table. It will also be available for auction as will a fourth painting of Roper's.

MIKE COMPTON will be among the Master Class Workshop instructors on Friday of this year's Bear on the Square Festival.