ONE of the North East’s leading artists will be giving passers-by ‘paws’ for thought this month (July) as she sets to work on a very special commission.
For 10 weeks, starting on September 19, 60 large and 105 mini sculptures – based on the story of The Snowman and The Snowdog, by Raymond Briggs – will form the largest public art trail of its kind to be held in the region.
And North Shields artist Joanne Wishart is one of 45 artists commissioned to decorate the large Snowdogs for the project, which aims to raise much-needed cash for Newcastle’s St Oswald’s Hospice’s Children and Young Adult’s Service.
On Sunday 17 July Joanne and her 1.5m high Snowdog – which has been sponsored by education magazine, The Primary Times – will take up residence in the Bridge Gallery at Tynemouth Station, where an exhibition is also being held of her work.
Although the finished designs of the Snowdogs will not be revealed until the trail goes live, visitors to the station will be able to watch Joanne – famous for her coastal-inspired paintings, greetings card and prints – as she makes a start.
“I had huge fun creating my Snowdog design,” said Joanne, “and now I can’t wait to start painting.
“I hope as many people as possible will come along and learn more about this fantastic project, which will bring colour, fun and humour to the streets, parks and open spaces of our region.”
The Great North Snowdogs trail – the brainchild of creative producers Wild in Art –
will follow the route of the Tyne and Wear Metro and will be accompanied by a complementary trail of 105 mini Snowdogs which will have been decorated by school children and community groups from the area.
And, when the trail closes to the public in November, the Snowdogs will be auctioned off 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.