The Berenstain Bears franchise has captivated and enlightened kids and families for generations with heartwarming stories of a cartoon bear family navigating life lessons together.
Founded by Stan and Jan Berenstain, both Philadelphia natives, who met as art students at what is now the University of the Arts in the 1940s. Their son, Mike Berenstain, a UArts alumnus, carries on the legacy by writing and illustrating Berenstain Bears books.
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Despite Mike’s strong ties to UArts, he expressed disappointment at the sudden closure of the school. The announcement of its shutdown, just a week before its official closure, sparked outrage and protests.
“I had a nightmare about University of the Arts closing last night. The shock is palpable for everyone involved,” Mike Berenstain shared.
The Berenstain Bears likely owe their existence to the school, as Stan and Jan’s time at UArts honed their artistic skills and inspired their iconic bear characters.
‘They had great experiences in art school’
Stan and Jan, who fell in love at art school, started drawing bears at the Philly Zoo and found their passion for storytelling through art. The impact of their UArts education was profound.
Mike, following his parents’ footsteps, attended UArts before becoming a children’s book illustrator. His formative experiences at the school shaped his artistic identity.
In the 1980s, Mike joined his parents in their work, and after their passing, continued the Berenstain Bears legacy by creating new stories that resonate with audiences to this day.
‘Art school … sort of established who I am’
Mike emphasized the importance of art education in shaping his life and values. He lamented the closure of UArts and PAFA, two pivotal institutions in his and his family’s artistic journey.
Despite the challenges of the digital age, Mike remains committed to traditional art forms, manually painting the bears for the books he creates.
He hopes that students affected by UArts’ closure can find solace in other arts programs in Philadelphia and expressed concern for the decline of support for art education in the city.
As he continues to weave new tales for the Berenstain Bears, Mike remains dedicated to preserving the timeless charm of the beloved characters that have enchanted readers for decades.