Snowdogs display is making visitors paws for thought
FAMILIES and visitors to Cardiff have been enjoying the inaugural weekend of the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales installation.
The giant snowdogs have appeared at locations across the city as part of a public art trail to raise money for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice.
After months of waiting, more than 40 are now in place across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan’s most iconic streets and open spaces after the project’s official launch on Saturday.
The statues are based on the wellknown character featured in the animated film The Snowman And The Snowdog.
It is the biggest mass-participation public art trail in Wales, with each of the snowdogs sponsored by a local business and individually decorated by a different artist.
Sarah Smart joined the trail with her three children on Saturday.
She said: “I think it’s a wonderful idea to raise awareness for the hospice. We’ve been going to the hospice for a couple of years. It’s great to come out today and meet other Ty Hafan families.”
The 1.5m-tall sculptures include Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe look-alikes at the Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff, and one modelled on Gareth Bale which has been spotted outside Cardiff Castle. The Welsh football star- inspired piece is titled Local Lad and was designed by artist Dale Edna as a celebration of the Whitchurch-born winger.
Project manager Helen Gibbons described the installations as “one of our most exciting campaigns ever” forming part of everyday life in the capital for 10 weeks.
She said: “As well as raising money for children with life-limiting conditions, taking part in the trail will encourage friends and families to spend time together, exploring their favourite places around Cardiff and the Vale and rediscovering some of the area’s hidden gems.
“At the hospice, one of our main goals is to enable families to make precious memories that last a lifetime – and that’s what we believe the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales trail will mean for families across south Wales.”
Members of the public can follow the trail by downloading the Snowdogs: Trail in Wales app or by picking up a printed map from Ty Hafan shops, Visit Cardiff outlets or as a download from the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales website.
Following their tenure on the streets of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, the sculptures will be displayed at the Capitol Centre in December, before being put up for auction to raise money for the charity.