After two years of running the Coco Bear Fundraiser out of their home, organizers have given it a permanent home in downtown Huntsville.
Shortly after the first anniversary of Conrad Dubois’ death following many years of addiction, his mom Shari turned his artwork into a fundraiser to help youth fighting substance abuse and mental health issues.
Since then Coco Bear clothing and accessories, which feature an image of a bear that Conrad drew in high school, have been purchased by people around the world.
To date they have raised more than $35,000 for Mind-Aid, a Muskoka-based charity that helps support youth addiction and mental health.
As the fundraiser grew, they dreamt of finding a production space. That idea quickly expanded to a storefront where Coco Bear merchandise could be displayed and sold.
The new shop that will be Coco Bear’s home is called Melody’s Art Studio: Home of Coco Bear, after Conrad’s niece who is also a young artist.
The store is being run by Shari Dubois, Melody’s mom, Haily Fetterly, and a close friend of Conrad’s.
Fetterly’s grandfather, Bob Sieber, is also a partner in the business as he has run a clothing printing shop for many years and has the knowledge to help bring everything together.
“He has also been such an amazing man in my life and supporter. We couldn’t have done all of this without him,” said Fetterly.
Haily and Shari are tackling every aspect of the shop including tie-dying, running the store, providing customer support, and packaging and shipping orders. Everything is done in-store from start to finish.
“It’s so crazy to see this dream come to life. I just love meeting new people and making connections. I feel like I’m living the best years of my life and I leave fulfilled every single day. My heart is so full,” said Fetterly.
In the new year they will be bringing other art to the store including vintage clothing and accessories, paintings, and handmade jewelry. They would love to hear from other artists who resonate with Coco Bear and want to feature their art in the store.
“When people come into the store you realize that everyone has a strong connection to mental health and addiction in some way. Everyone can relate and they fall in love with Conrad’s story and the bear,” said Fetterly.
Their plans for the future include hosting birthday parties and workshops where they teach people their tie-dye technique. Paricipants will leave with their own unique piece of wearable art.
“I feel really grateful we’re able to do this,” said Shari. “It’s so amazing I’m working with my granddaughter’s mother and we have this beautiful connection together. It honestly feels surreal.”
Melody’s Art Studio is located at 72 Main St. East (beside That Little Place By the Lights). Holiday hours are Dec. 24 from 11-3, Dec. 28-30 11-5, Dec. 31 11-3. Regular hours in January are Tuesday through Saturday from 11-5.
Follow Coco Bear on Instagram @cocobearfundraiser and on Facebook here.
A website for Melody’s Art Studio will be coming soon.
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