Bearpaw has launched Bearpaw C.A.N.V.A.S. Project as part of its Creative Expressions by Bearpaw campaign – a new charitable initiative for the 11-year old brand. The C.A.N.V.A.S. Project, an acronym for Creating A New Vision At Schools, gives high school art students the opportunity to create their own signature designs, using Bearpaws Emma boot as their canvas.

Bearpaw will select a high school from a pool of nominees each quarter, starting with Spring-Ford High School in Royersford, PA in January. Randy McKinley, VP of Global Marketing for Bearpaw, explains, We see this as a way to help and support the arts in school, which has seen tremendous cuts over the past few years. The VP continues, We also hope to expose these students to the footwear industry…an industry they may not have thought of before as an opportunity or vision for the future.”

Linda Crane, Art Department Chairman at Spring-Ford High School, echoes the executives sentiments and explains, Bearpaws contribution to our arts department is an exciting opportunity…it gives our students an outlet for expression, while teaching them the real-world application of their efforts.

The chance to work with Bearpaw proved to be an exciting opportunity for the students at Spring-Ford High School. When I first heard we were getting the chance to work with Bearpaw, I was extremely excited…I had never imagined working on a shoe before, but it was different and fun, says sophomore Megan Harbison. Fellow student Tia Rohses reiterates, this was a great opportunity to really push myself…there are a lot of customized boots and shoes, but I never really thought Id design a pair myself.

The designs will go on the road with Bearpaw to major tradeshows in Las Vegas, New York and Salt Lake City. Bearpaw will showcase the first set of creations at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer trade show this week.

The C.A.N.V.A.S. Project will also be showcased on the brands website (www.Bearpaw.com) and its online magazine Bearpaw Style (www.Bearpawstyle.com). The brand plans to invite noteworthy guests to participate alongside the art students as it continues to take the C.A.N.V.A.S. Project around the nation.