Great North Snowdogs art trail taking shape

NORTH-EAST artist Joanne Wishart starts work on Sunday, July 17, on her design for the Great North Snowdogs public art trail, which opens on September 19. For ten weeks, 60 large and 105 mini sculptures – based on the story of The Snowman and The Snowdog, by Raymond Briggs – will be placed along the route of the Tyne and Wear Metro. When the trail closes, in November, the works will be auctioned to raise funds for Newcastle's St Oswald's Hospice, which supports children and young adults.

Wishart, from North Shields, is one of 45 artists commissioned to decorate the large Snowdogs for the project. She and her 1.5m high Snowdog – sponsored by education magazine, The Primary Times – will be based in the Bridge Gallery, at Tynemouth Station, where an exhibition is also being held of her work.

The finished designs of the Snowdogs will not be revealed until the trail goes live, but visitors to the station will be able to watch Wishart – famous for her coastal-inspired paintings, greetings card and prints – as she makes a start.

“I had huge fun creating my Snowdog design, 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,” says Wishart

The event was dreamed up by creative producers Wild in Art who are asking children and community groups to supply the 105 mini Snowdogs. For further information, visit greatnorthsnowdogs.co.uk or call 0191 285 0063.

Viv Hardwick