Mama Bear and Cub

- by Dale Rogers

2023 Mama Bear and Cub
Sponsored by Linda and Bob Flanagan and Laura and Jeff Schaffer

CoreTen steel, threaded steel rods

Location: Village Green, SW quad

Dale Rogers’ sculptures combine his love of abstract geometrics with organic flowing lines and figurative appeal. Incorporating iconic and whimsical shapes—dogs, birds, or, in this case, a mother bear and her cub—he creates sophisticated yet easily recognizable designs that connect with viewers of all ages and serve as thought-provoking “visual postcards” on the local landscape.

A native of Haverhill, Massachusetts, Rogers first became interested in welding and working with metal when he taught himself to repair metal equipment on his family’s farm. Since becoming a full-time metal sculptor in 2003, he has exhibited artworks throughout the country and internationally in private collections and in public parks, museums, and on both corporate and academic campuses.

Like most of his work, Rogers' bear sculptures were originally designed on computer, then laser cut, welded, and hand finished from CorTen steel. The process takes about six months from conception to completion.

Rogers believes that art should be accessible to all and has become an advocate for public art as his career has developed. "Public art is critical because it enables everyone to benefit from what art has to offer. Art is my love," he says, but "public art is my passion.”

If you live in Summit, you know it's not uncommon to see a black bear roaming around town on occasion, which is why we're pleased to be able to welcome this pair of bears to the Green for an extended stay.