If you’re looking for an enjoyable and budget-friendly family activity, have you considered embarking on a sculpture trail?
Many towns and cities across the UK collaborate with charities to showcase a collection of captivating sculptures throughout their surroundings. In 2023, Swindon is excited to host its very first trail, known as The Big Dog Art Trail, in support of Julia’s House children’s hospice.
With 30 Swindogs and 42 Swinpups scattered around the town, this event promises a delightful experience for all while raising vital funds for a charitable cause.
Discover the Big Dog Art Trail: Running from July 15th to September 3rd, 2023, the Big Dog Art Trail in Swindon is set to captivate visitors with its vibrant and diverse collection of sculptures. These stunning art pieces are created and decorated by some of the UK’s most accomplished and respected artists, along with the involvement of local schools and community groups.
By following a designated map, families can embark on an exciting adventure to locate each dog, ensuring an engaging and interactive experience for all participants.
Supporting Julia’s House: The Big Dog Art Trail serves as a fundraising initiative in aid of a local children’s hospice charity that provides essential care for seriously ill children and their families across Wiltshire and Dorset. Julia’s House understands the unique needs of each family they support and offers personalised care to help them navigate the challenges of having a child with a serious medical condition.
Donations play a crucial role in enabling Julia’s House to continue its vital work, so your participation in the Big Dog Art Trail can make a real difference to local families in need.
Zoe, a mother of a child receiving care from Julia’s House, shares her experience: “It’s exhausting caring 24/7 for a child who is incredibly disabled, so when the Julia’s House nurses and carers come in and take over for a few hours, it literally lightens everybody’s day up.” By taking part in the Big Dog Art Trail, you are supporting families like Zoe’s and providing them with respite and support during challenging times.
At the launch event of the Swinddogs at Lydiard Park, The Swindonian had the pleasure of speaking with local mother and son duo, Judy and Morgan Guillery, who have both contributed their designs to the trail.
Morgan, aged 12, collaborated with his mother to paint their balloon-dog sculpture, incorporating a Steam Punk theme. The silver sculpture showcases intricate paneling, paying homage to Swindon’s railway works and heritage.
Talking about his involvement Morgan said “I decided to go with a Steam Punk theme. It is silver and has lots of panelling designed into it representing Swindon’s heritage with the railway works.
“It’s been great working alongside my mum. We have overcome some difficult challenges putting my original two-dimensional design onto the 3D sculpture.”
Judy’s sculpture, which will be located in the gardens of the Swindon Borough Council offices on Euclid Street, said it is a dream come true for her. Working on this project with her son has made it an even more special experience for both of them. “It’s a dream come true to have a Swindog sculpture on The Big Dog Art Trail,” she said.
“To do it alongside my son as well is very special.”
If you’re searching for an affordable and enjoyable family activity, look no further than the Big Dog Art Trail in Swindon. This exciting event not only offers a captivating exploration of the town but also provides an opportunity to support Julia’s House children’s hospice and make a positive impact on the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
Download the App or grab a map, follow the trail, and immerse yourself in the world of art while contributing to a worthy cause.
