At Eglinton Avenue and Don Mills in Toronto, a striking 10-metre-tall female grizzly bear sculpture has been installed, drawing attention and admiration in a rapidly changing neighborhood. Dubbed ‘Bearbraham Lincoln’ by some, this bronze artwork symbolizes leadership, care, and quiet strength, becoming a local icon for residents and visitors alike.
Artist Dean Drever explained that the sculpture, titled Seated Bear and Friends, is an exact replica of the Lincoln monument in size and scale. "That always inspired me as a kid, just the awe of it," he noted. The concept of placing a bear in a giant chair, particularly in front of a park where children can play, adds a whimsical touch that fuels imagination and creativity.
The creation of the sculpture was made possible through Toronto’s Percent for Public Art Program, an initiative requiring developers to allocate funds for art in public spaces. Commissioned by Aspen Ridge Homes, the total cost of the installation is estimated at approximately $3 million, partly due to rising labor and material expenses.
The sculpture was constructed using an innovative process involving 3D printing and casting technology. This unique method transformed thousands of foam blocks into bronze, which were carefully assembled on-site to create the impressive sculpture. The end result is a stunning representation of a bear that not only captures the essence of the Lincoln monument but also serves as a focal point for the neighborhood.
Andrea Mantin, the project manager of Public Art with the City of Toronto, emphasized the importance of public art in creating a vibrant community atmosphere. “It’s very important for public art as an aspect of animating the public realm, really creating a sense of community, especially in these new development sites where thousands of residents and retailers will soon move in,” she stated. Mantin added that such installations help ground the site and provide a unique identity for the area, fostering a connection among the residents.
For artist Dean Drever, the opportunity to work on a project of this scale has been both rewarding and fulfilling. “First and foremost, I feel extremely lucky to work on something of this scale,” he expressed. Drever mentioned that the long hours and hard labor are overshadowed by the lasting impact the sculpture will have. “When you’re actually in it, it’s pretty easy to lose sight of what you’re doing. You get fairly focused on what you’re doing. I finished it about a week ago, and I don’t know if it’s fully hit me what it means. I’ve been at it for so long,” Drever reflected.
The official unveiling of the sculpture will coincide with the opening of Big Bear Park later this month, providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to explore the site for the very first time. This moment is set to mark not only the reveal of the captivating sculpture but also the beginning of a new community hub that embraces creativity and connection.
