The final designs for The Great Tail Trail sculptures have been chosen by their sponsors at an exciting event held at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
Nearly 500 designs were submitted earlier this year by artists all hoping to see their artwork appear on one of 45 giant mermaid tail sculptures during next spring’s 8-week trail across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP). The entries were whittled down to a final shortlist and local business sponsors were asked to choose their favourites at the design selection event.
The trail will raise vital funds and awareness for Julia’s House, Dorset’s local children’s hospice charity.
Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia’s House, said: “We’ve reached a really exciting milestone in the run-up to The Great Tail Trail! It was fantastic to see how enthusiastic our sponsors were about choosing their designs. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors for their fantastic support of the trail and Julia’s House, and especially to AFC Bournemouth for kindly hosting this event on our behalf.
The chosen artists will soon take receipt of their blank sculptures and begin painting them with their mer-mazing designs – we know they’re going to do an incredible job! With just 15 giant mermaid tails still available, time is running out for local businesses to dive in and benefit from being part of this huge public event. So don’t miss out – help us make a big splash as we raise money to support the families of seriously ill children across Dorset.”
Information on The Great Tail Trail and how to become a sponsor is available at www.greattailtrail.co.uk
The final designs include artists from across Dorset as well as further afield, bringing together some of the most talented local and national artists.
Wimborne-based Becky Dodd was inspired to become an artist by the Pride in Bournemouth lion trail in 2011, which was the first time Julia’s House teamed up to run a sculpture trail with Wild in Art, the leading producer of public art events. Becky now enjoys creating community-focused art and is looking forward to seeing her design appear on the trail next spring.
“I’m beyond excited to be part of The Great Tail Trail and work alongside so many amazing artists!” says Becky. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase creativity through large-scale conversation pieces that will leave a lasting impact for the families cared for by Julia’s House and bring joy to our local area!”
Kizzi Bennett grew up on the south coast and has recently completed the painting of some stunning murals onto Towngate Bridge by Poole train station. Taking inspiration from the forest, sea and countryside, Kizzi has a mission to use 100 per cent recycled paints and eco-friendly materials in all her work. She hopes her mermaid tail design will bring happiness to everyone who views it on the trail.
“I first started painting murals to raise awareness for our environment and the challenges it faces,” says Kizzi. “But more recently, I have learned that as humans, we need nature as much as it needs us, which is why this opportunity to paint a mermaid tail for The Great Tail Trail is so meaningful to me. The ocean has always been my favourite place, a source of inspiration and serenity. Being part of this exciting community art adventure, in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice, is an honour, and I hope my sculpture can inspire others to appreciate and protect the beauty of our natural world.”
Renowned contemporary artist Stuart Semple, from Bournemouth, was commissioned to design the very first mermaid tail sculpture entitled ‘Flipping Pink’ for the launch of The Great Tail Trail earlier this year. Painted in the pinkest pink in the world and encrusted with a kilogram of diamond dust, Stuart’s playful design sparkles and shines magnificently, and is sure to stand out and be a favourite on the trail.
A full list of the chosen artists will be published in the next few weeks, but the final selection of unique and colourful designs will now remain a closely guarded secret until the trail opens to the public on 5 April.
If, after you’ve explored the trail next spring, you’d like to purchase your own unique mermaid tail sculpture, you’ll have the opportunity to bid for your favourite at a special auction event held at The Italian Villa, Compton Acres on 20 June, with all proceeds going directly to Julia’s House.
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The Great Tail Trail reaches an exciting milestone as designs are chosen
