An exciting family-friendly art trail showcasing sculptures will be coming to a town next summer.

‘Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent’ will bring colour to parks, river paths and other parts of of Maidstone next summer.

It follows on from the success of the Hospice’s first art trail, Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade in 2021.

The sculptures are based on the famous animated character, created by animators Aardman, which has been nominated for two Academy Awards.

The free art trail is a creative partnership between Heart of Kent Hospice, Wild in Art, Aardman and Presenting Partner, Maidstone council.

‘Spinning a Yarn’, which was designed and decorated by artist Jill Busby, was commissioned for the launch of Shaun in the Heart of Kent last October and was the first decorated Shaun sculpture.

Jill has had a varied career spanning graphic design and running an art club for children and now enjoys painting for Wild in Art projects.

She said: “The concept for my design of ‘Spinning a Yarn’ was influenced by the shapes of wool yarn and I felt the spirals were perfect for the Shaun the Sheep shape. It was a little difficult to paint on curves, but I do love a challenge!”

Designs need to be submitted by 9am Monday, July 31 this year, and each commission pays an honorarium of £1,000 on completion.

The artist application pack can be downloaded here.

Heart of Kent Hospice has been providing free, compassionate, end-of-life care to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones in Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling and the surrounding towns and villages for the past 31 years.

Erica Snow, project manager at the hospice, said: “We are looking for ewe-nique designs to bring our 3D Shaun sculptures to life, adding colour, fun, creativity and drama to our second art trail as we showcase all that our local area has to offer to both residents and visitors, celebrating individuality and diversity, and bringing our communities together.

“We are very keen to receive submissions from both amateur and professional artists and would particularly like to see some sensory design options within our 2024 art trail.

“We want to expose artistic talent across the board from traditional to new media, fine art to illustration, textiles, metalwork and graffiti to mosaic.

Whether you are an established artist or are yet undiscovered, this is your opportunity to showcase you.”