SNOWDOGS are coming from all corners of the UK to take part in the largest free public art trail ever to be held in the North East.
On 19 September, streets, parks and open spaces across Sunderland, Gateshead and Tyneside, will become home to 60 giant Snowdog sculptures, individually decorated by artists and celebrities alike.
And with less than a month to go, the completed 1.5m high sculptures are making their way to the region to join their canine companions – but their designs are staying under wraps.
Great North Snowdogs, which is the brainchild of creative producers Wild in Art, in partnership with Newcastle-based charity, St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice, is inspired by the story The Snowman™ and The Snowdog, by Raymond Briggs.
Artists from far and wide have spent the summer decorating the dogs, some of which they designed themselves and others, designed by stars such as Ab Fab’s Joanna Lumley and 70s rock band Lindisfarne.
Among the designs – which will only be fully unveiled when the trail goes live – are works by renowned graffiti artist Temper, aka Arron Bird, oil and pencil artist Jeff Rowland and award-winning North East-based artist, Joanne Wishart.
Project curator, Victoria Maddison, said: “My co-curator, James Lowther and I have been working closely with the artists as they translate their designs onto the sculptures and we are really excited to see all the completed Snowdogs come together in the North East.
“They are all completely different and it’s amazing how each Snowdog has its own identity and character.
“The level of skill and creativity that’s gone into decorating them is amazing and I can’t wait to see them all in situ on the trail.”
The main Snowdog trail will follow the route of the Tyne and Wear Metro and will be accompanied by a complementary trail of 95 mini Snowdogs, decorated by school children and community groups from the area.
And, when the trail closes to the public in November, the large Snowdogs will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice’s children’s service, which provides short breaks and respite for North East children and young people with incurable conditions, and help and support for their families and loved ones.
For further information, visit www.greatnorthsnowdogs.co.uk or call 0191 285 0063.