At a luncheon with the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce, the timeline and model of the Kenai Bronze Bear Family Sculpture project, which will be on display at the Kenai Airport, were unveiled.
The community project to bring the bronze bear family to the Kenai Airport collaborates with community partners and volunteers, including the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, Kenai Art Center, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Kenai Municipal Airport, with support from Bridges Community Resource Network Inc.
This powerful scene will embody Kenai’s rich wildlife, inviting all who pass through to connect with the land, its animals, and the adventure that awaits.
The estimated total cost of the sculpture, including installation, is approximately $200,000, with the bears themselves costing $150,000.
Mary Bondurant, former Kenai Airport Manager, says the idea started in 2023 with a vision of adding an unforgettable landscape at the airport terminal.
“It’s just gonna be so neat. What the community has done so far as efforts towards this project really does the heart good.” Bondurant said.
The bronze bear family sculpture is projected to be finished by the fall of this year and will conclude with a grand unveiling.
What’s Next: (Timeline Provided by the Kenai Bronze Sculpture Project)
- Ongoing: Corporate Sponsor Requests
- Ongoing: Community Presentations
- Ongoing: Community Events
- Ongoing: Community Fundraising
- Spring 2025: Grant Applications
- Summer 2025: Contract with Bronze Artist
- Summer 2025: Bronze Casting
- Fall 2025: Installation
- Fall 2025: Unveiling!
The project is made possible through community investment.
The Kenai Bronze Bear Family Sculpture Working Group is partnering to seek funding through corporate sponsorships, individual donations, community events & fundraisers, and grant opportunities.
All sponsors and donors will be publicly recognized at the Kenai Municipal Airport upon the sculpture’s installation.
To learn more, visit: www.kenaibronze.com.