Ted Alert

Fur the bears

Comments (0) By Steve Jansen Thursday, Dec 1 2005

The controversy-starved folks at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals may freak when word hits the street about Tara Logsdon's hands-on operation "Ursidae Anaplasty" (Latin for "bear plastic surgery") during the "Stuffed Animal Show" at Waycool. But before PETA starts protesting, we should tell you that the furry patients undergoing Extreme Makeover-type cosmetic surgery are stuffed animals.

courtesy of Tara Logsdon

Sewing under the knife: Toy bears get their quality of, uh, life back from Tara Logsdon.

Details

Tara Logsdon performs during the "Stuffed Animal Show" on Friday, December 2. The doors open at 6 p.m., and the surgery begins at 7. Admission is free. Call 602-258-8600.

Waycool, 1524 East McDowell Road

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Logsdon rescues teddy bears that are in grave need of physical and psychological repair from Valley thrift stores. From there, the textile taxidermist repairs dismembered appendages using only hand-stitching techniques. "I am always breaking needles," says Logsdon.

Singing nurses Natalie Routon and Riana Zimmerman will assist in what will be Logsdon's first public repair procedure outside of her Holgas home studio. Recycled material from Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry products are used in the heart replacement, "so their new owners know they are ready for some high-end love," Logsdon tells New Times. "I also remove the nose and mouths, and give them new eyes for a better outlook on life."

Waycool will also host the work of four other artists during the anthropomorphized "Stuffed Animal Show." On display will be art from Logsdon's 12-year old son, Legend, who has sold his pieces to a head designer for New York-based urban fashion companies Echo Red and Zoo York.

All of the body-modified bears will be available for purchase, but Logsdon insists that they must go to a good home -- doctor's orders. "I mean, let's face it, they have already been through enough," says Logsdon. "They all have a unique prescription that must be followed until they have adapted to their new environment."

And that's not the only medical advice Doc Logsdon offers. "I also write prescriptions for humans who are extremely desperate."