June 2022
So! The Swindogs are coming! ‘What are?’ I hear you cry. Swindogs is what! Like the one you see below:
Well – when I say like the one in the image – not quite. For a start, the scale of that one is not unlike the Goodie’s Kitten Kong. Yep – there I go again with my antediluvian references.
As it says in the brochure:
The summer of 2023 will see over thirty larger-than-life balloon dog sculptures – the eponymous Swindogs – let off the leash, right across Swindon.
An artist will adopt each of the dogs and they’ll paint a unique design on it. Then you, the public will discover them along a free, family-friendly big dog art trail. The trail will take you around some of Swindon’s finest landmarks, streets, parks and public spaces. And no poo in sight!
Who and why etc
Brought to you by Julia’s House children’s hospice and Wild in Art, the big dog art trail is a project BY the community FOR the community.
And it’s going to be EPIC! And barking – sorry – I had to do it!
Find out about the call for artists and becoming a sponsor here.
A bit about Wild in Art
WIA are a commercial organisation employing a core team in the north and south of England. They’re aided and abetted by a pool of specialist freelancers working across the country and overseas.
They’ve got expertise, insights and a network formed in over a decade involved in creating popular art events across the globe.
A bit about Julia’s House
From their website: ‘Julia’s House is not a typical children’s hospice. We provide practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, providing frequent and regular support in their own homes, in the community or at our hospices.’
How you can get involved
Here’s one they made earlier
Swindon artist Hannah Dosanjh has already painted one of the dogs and it’s amazing. I saw it at the launch event the other night and I LOVE what Hannah did with it. In particular I love how she highlighted Sir Daniel Gooch rather than Brunel! IMHO Brunel gets over-stated somewhat. So you can read more about all that here in the Swindon Advertiser.
And now for some photographs of Hannah and her amazing dog! it features, in no particular order:
1. The hooter: https://swindonian.me/2016/03/26/gwr-hooter-recreated/
2. Town Gardens: https://swindonian.me/2017/04/21/swindon-town-gardens/
3. The art deco bowl in Town Gardens
4. The GWR Park: https://swindonian.me/2019/07/31/the-gwr-park/
5. Queen’s Park: https://swindonian.me/2015/08/01/queens-park-swindon/
And much, much more!
