A public art trail in Luton to mark the 30th anniversary of Keech Hospice Care will feature the work of Bedford artist, Sarah Harrison this summer.
The Big Trunk Trail has been organised by the charity to raise funds in its 30th year. Local businesses have sponsored each of the elephants, all individually brought to life by artists from Bedfordshire.
Bedford artist, Sarah Harrison, was chosen by Love Luton to decorate their elephant.
Sarah is no stranger to public art, as she was recently featured in the Bedford Independent after she worked with Creating Memories founder, Pritti Saggi and the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Form to paint the Mural of Joy to raise a smile among residents in Kempston.
Read: Local children’s art brought to life in Mural of Joy in Kempston
“The Big Trunk Trail is our way of saying thank you to the truly remarkable people, businesses and organisations who have supported us through the years,” said Liz Searle, CEO of Keech Hospice Care.
All of the elephants were painted in one of the empty units at the Mall in Luton. Sarah said that being able to work alongside other artists was a “truly wonderful experience.
“I hope this comes across and shares some smiles when the herd of elephants are released on parade,” she said.
Linsey Frostick, chair of Love Luton, said that choosing the design for their elephant was not easy as they had received so many great submissions.
“We felt it was important to stay local if we could,” she said on their choice of the Bedford-based artist.
“On paper Sarah’s design was great but on an elephant it is amazing. We met Sarah several times along the way and her commitment and passion for the project, not just her elephant, was fantastic.
“To be able to give an artist an opportunity like this is something that will be a real legacy of the trail and we are delighted that everyone will be able to see Sarah’s design this summer and we look forward to seeing her going on to have great success in the future.”
The Trunk Trail herd will be released into the wild from 10 July until 8 October. Afterwards, each elephant will be auctioned off to raise money for Keech Hospice Care.
“My dream has been to work big, and to work outdoors,” said Sarah. “I had seen sculpture trails in other parts of the country, so when I heard a ‘Wild in Art’ project was coming to Bedfordshire, it was very exciting.
“Public space is the ultimate gallery, accessible to all. With the added magic that passers-by can discover artwork, in streets or parks, unplanned and by chance.”
You can find out more at the Keech Hospice Care website.
