Students Paint Dinton Pastures-Inspired Elephant for Hospice Art Trail

A group of art students from Reading College and University Centre have taken part in a creative project to support Thames Hospice. They were given the opportunity to decorate a large elephant sculpture, which will be displayed as part of a public art trail this summer. The students chose to base their design on Dinton Pastures Country Park, a well-known park in Berkshire that features lakes, geese, and beautiful scenery. The project is part of Thames Hospice's fundraising appeal, which will run from July 13 to September 13, covering the area between Windsor and Slough. The aim is to raise awareness and funds for the hospice, which is located in Maidenhead and provides care for people with serious illnesses.

The students began their project by creating mood boards to gather ideas and inspiration from the park. They then transferred their sketches onto the elephant sculpture and added vibrant colors to bring their vision to life. The process allowed them to showcase their artistic talents and work together as a team. Jo Prior, the work experience coordinator at Activate Learning, which runs the college, said that the project was a fantastic opportunity for the students to get creative. She praised their hard work and said everyone was excited to see the finished elephant displayed with the rest of the herd during the art trail.

Lacy Savage from Wokingham Borough Council expressed pride in supporting both the hospice and the students' efforts. She said the students had shown great passion and dedication throughout the project, and she looked forward to seeing their creativity brought to life in the art trail. The event will feature many decorated elephants, each with its own unique design. Some of the sculptures have been decorated by well-known artists, including one who won an Oscar in 2023 for a short animated film. The art trail is expected to attract many visitors, who will be able to enjoy the colorful elephants and learn more about the work of Thames Hospice. The students hope their elephant will inspire others and help raise money for the charity. The project has given them valuable experience in planning, teamwork, and artistic expression. Their teachers and local officials are proud of their achievements and believe the art trail will be a wonderful event for the community. People are encouraged to visit the trail, enjoy the art, and support the hospice by making donations. The students are proud to be part of this special project and hope their work will make a positive impact.