DAA-ers Shine at Bear on the Square 2025
Photo provided by Bear on the Square Mountain Festival
The spirit of Appalachian heritage came alive once again at the 2025 Bear on the Square Mountain Festival April 26-27 in downtown Dahlonega, Georgia — and the Dahlonega Arts Alliance (DAA) was right at the heart of it! As a proud Artist Level Sponsor of this year’s festival, the DAA helped bring the sounds, stories, and artistry of our region to life for thousands of visitors. Check out DAA’s Bear on the Square recap video here.
This year, the DAA celebrated not just through sponsorship but through the amazing participation and generosity of its artists. Here’s a look at how DAA artists helped make Bear on the Square unforgettable:
Photos provided by Bryan Garris of Garris Photography
🎨 DAA Artists in the Marketplace
Several DAA member artists showcased their talents in the juried artist market surrounding the historic square. Visitors had the chance to meet and shop from:
Evie Somogyi Kitchens of Simply Affinity
Deanne Freeman of Etowah River Pottery
Lily Payne Art
Brenda Steele Jewelry
Jordan Adams of Vagabond Fiber Arts
Sean Lawford of Southern Terminus
David Bailey of GA Fire Steel
Ashley Thornton of Craftly Ever After
These artists brought an incredible range of mediums to the festival, each one showcasing the rich creativity that the DAA nurtures all year long.
📖 Storytelling Magic
Adding to the festival’s deep connection to Appalachian traditions, DAA-er Melanie Knauff and other storytellers enchanted audiences with their storytelling performances on the Zak McConnell stage in Hancock Park. Their tales wove humor, history, and heart together, offering festivalgoers a memorable glimpse into the oral traditions of our region.
🎨🐻 "Feed the Bear" Art Fundraiser
At Old Storehouse Art downtown, the DAA hosted the popular "Feed the Bear" Art Fundraiser, featuring works by generously donated by Bear on the Square Heritage Sponsor Billy Roper and the following talented DAA artists:
Kelley Chambers of Sparkle-&-Grace
Maria Brana of Natural Art Passions
Connie Humphrey of LeeMeeWon Designs
Holly Verhasselt of Dulcimer's House
Bryan Garris of Garris Photography
Beth Brightwell
Janet Ericson of Rabbit Raven Creations
Amy Sullivan of the Pig & the Poppy
Cynthia Gilbert of Deo Pottery
🐻 A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Creativity
From the bustling marketplace to the soulful performances in the main tent and around the Square, Bear on the Square 2025 was a true celebration of community spirit. The Dahlonega Arts Alliance is honored to have played such a significant role this year — and we are deeply grateful to all of the artists, supporters, and volunteers who made it possible.
Whether you discovered a new favorite artist, were swept away by a story, or helped "feed the bear" with your support, you were part of something special.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events with the Dahlonega Arts Alliance as we continue to celebrate and elevate the vibrant arts community here in beautiful Dahlonega, Georgia!
To learn more about Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or check out bearonthesquare.org.