After much excitement and intrigue St Elizabeth Hospice has revealed the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 will be the latest art trail to be held in the town in partnership with creative producers, Wild in Art.
The identity of the owl sculptures, which will make up the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, were revealed virtually on Thursday 6th May across St Elizabeth Hospice’s social media platforms.
As part of the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, between June and September next year, 40 ornately decorated owl sculptures, featuring designs celebrating all things Suffolk, will be scattered throughout the town showcasing the wealth of artistic talent of the county and beyond.
“We are so pleased to reveal the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 and hope the whole community is as excited as us with the sculptures,” said Terry Hunt, a trustee at St Elizabeth Hospice.
“The inspiration came about as the hospice team felt the popular view of owls being knowledgeable and wise creatures linked to the support St Elizabeth Hospice has provided patients and families since 1989, whilst taking them under the wing of its care.
“While Ipswich, where the trail will be held, also has a strong connection with owls courtesy of the popular figures of Mabel and Matilda the tawny owls seen in Christchurch Park for many years.
“Similar to our previous Wild in Art trails, we hope the Big Hoot will provide a chance for the hospice to show gratitude to all its supporters, while also providing a much needed tonic of positivity for all.”
The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 will be third art trail brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, following the success of Pigs Gone Wild 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.
Both previous trails raised awareness and funds for the hospice as well as encouraging more people to visit Ipswich town centre.
With Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk, and its subsequent statue auction and accompanying fundraising activities, generating more than £260,000 for the hospice. While Pigs Gone Wild is estimated to have brought an extra £1 million to Ipswich’s economy through increased visits and spending in the town, as 250,000 people completed the art trail in the town.
Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with St Elizabeth Hospice and unveil The Big Hoot. It will be an owl-some opportunity for businesses, the creative sector and communities to come together and create something very special for Ipswich next summer.”
The announcement also revealed the all-important first ‘Big Hoot’ – A Hoot to Suffolk – designed by Suffolk artist Angie Ashford, who previously designed the Elmer Travel Trunk sculpture in the hospice’s Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.
A full-time artist, and former healthcare assistant at Ipswich Hospital, Angie’s work features the oxlip, a flower synonymous with Suffolk, entwined among scenes from around the county, encapsulating the beauty of the area where St Elizabeth Hospice supports more than 3,000 patients and their families every year.
“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,” explained Angie.
“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!”
For more information about Wild in Art 2022 visit thebighoot.co.uk.