St Elizabeth Hospice's next Ipswich art trail revealed to be a hoot

40 decorated owl sculptures will be scattered throughout the town next year

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 6th May 2021

St Elizabeth Hospice, in partnership with Wild in Art, has revealed the theme for Ipswich's next art trail.

Following on from 2016's Pigs Gone Wild trail and Elmer's Big Parade in 2019, which attracted 390,000 visitors to the town, it's hoped Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 will be just as popular.

The 40 decorated owl sculptures will be showcasds throughout the town between June and September next year, shortly followed by an auction to raise funds for the charity.

There was speculation 2019's trail might feature owls due to the tawny owls, Mabel and Matilda, being spotted in Christchurch Park over the years.

St Elizabeth Hospice saw next year's theme as an easy option due to the expected popularity among the public and what the birds represent.

Hannah Bloom, Director of Income Generation for the charity, said:

"Owls are seen in popular culture as wise creatures known for their wisdom, we think it links really nicely with the hospice and the hospice's knowledge, and the support provided to patients as we take people into our care and under our wing.

"Elmer in particular had 390,000 visitors into Ipswich and 70% of people said that the trail was their reason for visiting the town. These art trails are free to get involved in, they're outside so they're Covid-safe and they're really fun and active.

"The support we've had from the community, so far in the short time since we announce we were going to do another art trail, has been phenomenal."

The first decorated sculpture has also been revealed today (6 May), aptly named 'A Hoot to Suffolk', which was designed by Suffolk artist Angie Ashford.

Her work features the oxlip, a flower synonymous with the county, entwined among scene around Suffolk.

Angie Ashford alongside her 'A Hoot in Suffolk' sculpture.

Full-time artist Angie, and former healthcare assistant at Ipswich Hospital, said:

"I was keen for my design to focus on Suffolk, especially after the difficult year Covid-19 has brought, it was important to celebrate the positives around us.

"Taking part in Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019 was a great experience and it was fantastic to see so many people coming to Ipswich, especially families, to enjoy the trail. To be asked to take part in the Big Hoot 2022 is a real privilege, but to be chosen to be the artist which designs the first Hoot, I am still pinching myself!"

You can find more information about Wild in Art 2022 by visiting St Elizabeth Hospice's website.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.