Article in Worcester News online on 16th, 17th and in print on 18th April 2018
‘Artists paint giraffe sculptures in Crowngate for Worcester Stands Tall to fund St Richards Hospice build’.
Vistors to Crowngate shopping centre can sneak a peek while artists paint giraffe sculptures for Worcester Stands Tall, a major public art event.
Today, passersby will be able to glimpse through the window to spot sections of the sculptures as they are covered in beautiful artwork – ready for the trail this summer.
Until Friday, May 11, a unit next to JoJo Maman Bébé in Crowngate Shopping Centre will be a painting space for artists chosen to take part. The 30, 8ft tall giraffe sculptures will stand through the streets and open spaces of the city for 10 weeks, to raise funds for St Richards Hospice.
Katie Hodgetts, from Stourport on Severn is currently studying textile design at Birmingham City University. Her giraffe design is a tribute to her grandfather. “He went to St Richard’s Hospice every week for art therapy. My design is in his memory and features memory’s and heaven. He was an artist, so I wanted to do something in memory of him but also something he would like.”
Marnie Maurrie, an artist from Bromsgrove took inspiration from nature for her sculpture.”It’s called ‘The Giraffe Who Found His Happy Place. It’s going to be really happy and colourful. The idea is about finding happiness in nature and the elements so I’ve featured the sun, sky, sea, rainbow and clouds.”
The size of the giraffe sculpture is very different to what some of the artists are working on. Mrs Maurri said: “I’m trained in theatre design so I’m used to working on a big scale. It’s a really nice shape.”
Suzie Elizabeth Hunt, from St Johns, Worcester has just finished her Fine Art degree at Birmingham City University. Her design for her giraffe is inspired by the Worcester Pear.
Miss Hunt said: “I wanted to merge the characteristics of the pear with the shape of the giraffe. I’ve also used the colour scheme of the Worcestershire flag, blue, green, and white, with black pears.”
Jilly Oxlade-Arnott, an architectural artist who normally uses water colour said: “I’ve never done anything this size so it’s a challenge.” She has painted on several businesses in Worcester including Anja Potze. Her giraffe design celebrates Worcesters Heritage and Architecture.
Worcester Stands Tall is a Wild in Art project, brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice.
Once the trail has ended, the large sculptures will be auctioned this October to raise money for the St Richard’s Hospice Build 2020 Appeal.
The appeal aims to raise the final £1.4m needed to build a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire.
Follow link to Worcester News site which features a short video sneak peek at Jilly’s Giraffe
Link to Worcester News video clip
Follow link to Worcester News Online below:
