ART students from Reading College have joined Thames Hospice’s Trunks Across the Thames art trail by decorating an elephant sculpture inspired by Dinton Pastures Country Park.
Trunks across the Thames is Thames Hospice’s very first art trail which will see businesses, schools, community groups and artists unite to create a free, fun, family-friendly trail of discovery for the local community to explore and enjoy.
Thames Hospice is based in Maidenhead and has been proudly serving the community of East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire since 1987. They provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people facing a terminal illness. They’re committed to giving families choices about the care they receive, providing the best support at home and at the Hospice.
The students, who previously took part in Dinton Pastures’ Christmas Art Trail, were asked by the nature reserve based near Wokingham, to decorate an elephant sculpture for Thames Hospice’s Trunks Across the Thames art trail, taking place this summer throughout Slough and Windsor.
The majestic herd will be marching for nine weeks! The herd of individually designed magnificent elephant sculptures will bring vibrancy, colour and creative artistry, transforming the streets, parks and open spaces of Slough and Windsor into a glorious open-air gallery.
Art students from various levels including Foundation Creative Crafts Pathway and Levels 1-3 have been working on the mammoth project since the beginning of March.
The students have created a very colourful elephant sculpture, decorated with animals, plants, lakes and rivers, as well as many of the nature reserve’s facilities including the activity centre and café.
Ashleigh Warner, 17, from Woodley, who is studying the Foundation Creative Crafts Pathway, is one of the students who worked on the project.
She said: “I enjoyed being part of the project and that being involved in something that will be displayed for Thames Hospice.
“The design was around Dinton Pastures and everything that represents them. I’m very excited for it to be displayed to the public.”
Jo Prior, Work Experience Coordinator at Activate Learning, said: “Taking part in Trunks Across the Thames for Thames Hospice has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to get creative, inspired by nature and all the things that represent Dinton Pastures.
“Students created mood boards, transferred their drawings, and then added colour, showcasing their artistic talents throughout.
“We’re really pleased with the work produced and can’t wait to see the elephant displayed with the rest of the herd in the coming months.”
Lacy Savage, Sales and Events Coordinator: Commercialisation at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to be supporting Thames Hospice at Dinton Pastures Country Park as part of the Trunks Across the Thames event and fundraiser.
“Our elephant will be one of 55 in the herd, forming part of the public art trail from July to September, and will then be on display at Dinton Activity Centre.
“We are particularly pleased to be working with the Reading College and University Centre students on this project.
“They have shown great passion and dedication throughout, and we are excited to see their creativity brought to life in what will be a truly beautiful elephant for the trail.”
More information about Foundation Creative Arts Pathway at Reading College is available via: reading.activatelearning.ac.uk
Dinton Pastures Country Park is fundraising for Thames Hospice via Just Giving; more information is available via: justgiving.com
