Snowdogs of Wales

This autumn sees the appearance Cardiff of some 43 lovely Snowdog sculptures together with 57 Snowdog pups.  They are based on the novel and animated film Snowman and the Snowdog.

Snowdog Plentyn by Cardiff artist Vikki Cornish outside the Central Library

These art trails are all the rage and cities across Europe have been hosting various animal sculptures for some years now.  I think I saw my first ones, cows, in a Swiss city some fifteen years ago now.

The sculptures are made from what I guess is tough glass reinforced polyester.  Their limited display period cleverly ensures they are removed before they get weathered or too damaged.

Pop Pup by Bristol artist Damien Jeffery in Cardiff Central Square.

The Cardiff Snowdog trail is in conjunction with the children's charity Ty Hafan.  The trail serves the purpose of raising awareness of the charity and encourages donations.  Here's the link to the trail: Snowdogs in Wales

The Snowdogs are individually painted by various artists and at the end of their display period are auctioned off in aid of Ty Hafan.  The smaller pups have been painted by local organisations such as schools and guide groups.

The Pups in Central Library.

The trail makes the most of social media, encouraging visitors to post photos of themselves standing next to a Snowdog they like.

Like all works of art I would encourage people to stop and take a real look at them and admire the work that has gone into creating them.  They are certainly tactile in nature and I noticed many passers-by stop and give them a stroke.  People's first instinct these days seems to be to have a picture of themselves taken with one of the sculptures. That's not necessarily a criticism, more just an observation.

Personally, I also get enjoyment from coming home and researching the various artists, looking at their other work online and seeing what thy were trying to express in their Snowdog art.

McCoo by Steven Brown.  

If you have't seen any Steven Brown artwork then I recommend he is well worth a look.

And now time for a confession.  I'm a list man.  There's nothing I like more than working towards completing a list.  Will I get to see all 100 Snowdogs and their pups before they disapear?  The 99p App makes it easier to track progress.  I'll add and extra dimension to my challenge.  I will only use public transport in my quest.

Candy Stripes decorated by ceramic artist Lowri Davies

All 100 Snowdoogs and pups

And so with a couple of weeks to go till the Snowdogs were taken off display I made it.  All 100 Snowdogs and pups visited and only by the use of public transport.  I used the train to reach places like Barry Island and Penarth and the bus to go to Cardiff Airport and some of the parks in Cardiff.  I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the artwork and the adventure.  Many thanks to all the artists.