Words by Smiley Team
A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy, in collaboration with creative producers, Wild in Art, will see over 50 super-sized Snoopy sculptures displayed across Cardiff for 10 weeks from September to November 2021.
Each one is looking for a budding artist to give them a tickle behind the ears with a paintbrush to transform them into one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Each Snoopy will be sponsored by a business or individual who will be able to put their own creative touch on the sculpture. At the end of the trail, the giant Snoopy sculptures will be auctioned off to raise vital funds for Dogs Trust to continue to improve dog welfare in Wales as they prepare to open their newest rehoming centre in Cardiff in summer 2021.
Standing at 1.5m tall, the full-size Snoopy sculpture is a 3D canvas that lends itself to a wide range of artistic genres, be that graffiti, fine art or even metalwork. A ‘hero’ Snoopy was recently unveiled at the trail’s virtual launch event on November 11th and has been created by local Cardiff artist, Matt Joyce.
In addition, up to 130 smaller Snoopy sculptures, designed by schoolchildren, will form a key part of the trail as it goes walkies around the Welsh capital. Local schools and youth groups are being invited to let their creative talent lead the way and decorate their own version of the iconic Beagle. At the end of the trail, these Snoopy sculptures will be returned to their young creators as a keepsake and lasting memory of the project.
"I was absolutely blown away that I was chosen to design the ‘hero’ Snoopy and have loved every minute of working on this project" Cardiff-based illustrator and designer of the hero Snoopy, Matt Joyce, said.
"This is my first Wild in Art trail project and I am honoured to be involved. As a Cardiff-based artist and a dog lover, it feels incredible to be a part of such a large public exhibition in my home city and the fact that it is all to raise funds for Dogs Trust makes it all the more worthwhile."
Any school in Cardiff can apply to design a smaller-sized Snoopy and transform it into a work of art. Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
"Our pack of mini Snoopy sculptures will be integral to the event and will provide a wonderful opportunity for local schools to be a part of something really special in their city next year, whilst showcasing the creativity of their pupils" Hollie Sevenoaks, Head of Education at Dogs Trust, commented.
"It’s a great way for schools in Cardiff to make their mark on a Snoopy sculpture, see their design come to life during the trail, and keep it for years to come once the event is over."
Welsh sporting personalities Elinor Barker MBE and Gareth Thomas CBE are also lending their support for A Dog's Trail and helped to launch the art trail at the virtual launch event in November.
"As a proud Welshman and huge dog lover, I couldn’t be more excited that Dogs Trust is bringing the first ever dog-friendly art trail to the Welsh capital next Autumn." Gareth Thomas CBE, said.
"It’s been a difficult year so this is going to be a great event for our community to look forward to. What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than sniffing out Snoopy sculptures around Cardiff? I can’t wait to see the creativity and culture of our city brought to life on our streets by local artists."
Artists can enter up to three designs by filling in a submission form which is available on the A Dog’s Trail website www.adogstrail.org.uk. Designs must be submitted by 22nd February 2021.
Entries will be whittled down to the final selection in March 2021 and the chosen artists will each be given a Snoopy sculpture to decorate between April and July 2021. Each selected artist will be awarded a commission of £900.
Schools wanting to secure involvement can complete and submit an order form online at www.adogstrail.org.uk or email [email protected]
To find out more, visit www.adogstrail.org.uk
