Artists from across the UK are taking on a ‘pet’ project – to create 60 canine canvasses for a large-scale public art trail.
This autumn, streets, parks and open spaces across Sunderland, Gateshead and Tyneside, will become home to 60 giant Snowdog sculptures for the largest public art trail of its kind ever to be seen in the North East.
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.
And, with just weeks to go until the trail opens on 19 September, professional and amateur artists, along with celebrities such as Joanna Lumley and folk rock group Lindisfarne, are turning the 1.5m high sculptures into works of art.
So far 45 artists have started work on their Snowdogs, including renowned graffiti artist Temper, aka Arron Bird, oil and pencil artist Jeff Rowland and award-winning North East-based artist, Joanne Wishart.
“It would spoil the surprise if we revealed any of the designs,” said project co-curator James Lowther, “but I guarantee the artists have put every possible ounce of creativity, skill and, often, humour, into their creations.
“Great North Snowdogs is definitely going to bring colour, fun and imagination to the streets of Tyne and Wear this autumn.”
Each of the large Snowdogs has been sponsored by businesses such as presenting partners, Tyne and Wear Metro, Northumbrian Water, Barbour, Fenwick, Barclays and Go Ahead Northern.
The main Snowdog trail 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.
“The artists have really let their imaginations go wild,” said Anita Ball, director of income generation and marketing, at St Oswald’s Hospice, “and we can’t wait to see the finished Snowdogs.”
For further information, visit www.greatnorthsnowdogs.co.uk or call 0191 285 0063.