The Guitar Center Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on granting instruments to music education and music therapy organizations, has collaborated with Jerry Garcia Music Arts (JGMA) and Bears for Humanity to offer new collectable items to generate funds for arts and music education programs. Each item’s design contains iconic original art created by legendary musician Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.
Bears for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that creates “plushies with a purpose.” The new collectible “JG Bear” teddy bears are certified organic, non-toxic and Fair Trade. As a non-profit and World Fair Trade Organization member, Bears for Humanity is revolutionizing the toy industry by creating safe and sustainable plush toys. Their buy-one give-one model provides cuddly teddy bears to children in need, all while protecting our planet. Bears for Humanity created 1,500 limited-edition collectible organic teddy bears for this project. The JG Bear teddy bears are free from any petroleum-derived plastic components.
“We commend Guitar Center Music Foundation and Jerry Garcia Music Arts for creating this beautiful collectible in the right way. They are honoring Jerry Garcia’s legacy by creating memorabilia that has a positive, rather than harmful, impact on the planet,” said Renju Prathap, Bears for Humanity co-founder.
Additionally, 1,000 organic cotton T-shirts, which are identical to the T-shirt that the JG Bear wears, are now available. Both the JG Bear and the T-shirt feature an image of Garcia’s pen and ink sketch titled “Mandolin Player.” “Mandolin Player” is one of many original fine art pieces created by the virtuoso.
Fifty percent of net proceeds will go toward The Guitar Center Music Foundation’s mission of supporting music education and therapy programs. Garcia is most recognized for his signature sound as the lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead, but he was also a philanthropist who actively contributed his talents to preserving the planet’s rainforests and coral reefs. His creative vision continues to serve the community and inspire new generations.
“It is an honor to work with the Guitar Center Music Foundation and Bears for Humanity on this project. My father always encouraged aspiring artists to follow their dreams. The music education programs supported by this project will provide children with some creative tools to help them realize their dreams,” said Keelin Garcia, Jerry Garcia’s youngest daughter, Guitar Center Music Foundation Advisory Board member and Creative Director at JGMA.
The limited-edition JG Bear teddy bears are available online at the Guitar Center website, and the bears and shirts are available at 100 select Guitar Center locations. Each item is available for $29.99.
On March 25, the JG Bear and Garcia’s visual art will be featured at a launch concert performed by Rainbow Full of Sound at The Colony in Woodstock, NY. To learn more, visit http://www.GuitarCenterFoundation.org, or follow @GiveMusicLife on Twitter for more news or to discover ways to support The Guitar Center Music Foundation.
