Artists Create baa-rilliant designs at Artists Space in The Mall, Maidstone
Before Shaun the Sheep takes centre stage in Maidstone, with sculptures lining a fundraising trail in the summer to raise funds for Heart of Kent Hospice, an artists space has been a hive of activity in The Mall in Maidstone.
The fantastic Artists Space has been filled with some of the large Shaun sculptures which are being painted by the resident artists and will form part of the Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent art trail which launches on 29 June 2024.
Visitors to Maidstone town centre can pop along for a peek preview of the artists at work as they paint their Shaun sculptures with the chosen designs. To ensure the final designs remain top secret, visitors can still catch a glimpse of the artists at work through specially created peep holes. Be quick though, as the artists space is only open for a few more weeks so don’t delay in coming to see the artists at work.
The artists space can be found next to Superdrug and along from the Hospice charity shop in The Mall on the fourth floor.
One of the resident artists who has painted three sculptures in the artists space is MrASingh, a multi-award-winning artist and content creator and inspirational public speaker from Birmingham. As one of the chosen artists, he can be seen painting his unique Shaun Sculpture design in The Mall. MrASingh is no stranger to creating wonderful designs for art trails up and down the county and captivating audiences through mesmerising patterns and colours.
Another professional artist who has been hard at work on his design at home in his own studio in Tunbridge Wells, Kent is Keith Siddle. Keith has been fascinated by wildlife since childhood and as a self-taught artist, Keith initially honed his skills by studying and specialising in painting the oriental and beautifully ornamental fish, Koi (Nishikigoi). Keith embraced the same work ethos that the most eminent Japanese Koi breeders use in nurturing their Champions: Dedication, patience, detail, enthusiasm and passion.
Other artists across the country are busy painting Shaun the Sheep sculptures in preparation for the trail. The wonderful array of designs has something for everyone and once the trail is live everyone can decide which is their favourite!
The ‘Shaun in the Heart of Kent’ art trail will see the Hospice partner with Wild in Art, Aardman and Official Presenting Partner Maidstone Borough Council to create a free art trail around Maidstone’s famous landmarks for all to enjoy this summer. The project follows the hugely success Elmer Big Heart of Kent Parade art trail which took place in 2021 and raised over £312,000 at auction for the Hospice.
