Bears – part of life in the town that Susan Gurrentz calls home. Black bears are native residents of Aspen, Colorado. They usually live in the surrounding mountains, but Susan found herself face to face with one in her own home – not an uncommon occurrence – and it became the inspiration for her newfound passion. "I called animal control to have the bear removed, but instead of getting sympathy for my predicament, I got an important lesson on life in the mountains. 'Bears were here first,' said the animal control specialist. 'We invaded their territory, and we need to tolerate them and respect them.' Susan has indeed embraced these gentle giants as she brings their colors and shapes to life on her canvasses.