Mother And Son Help Love Grow On Big Dog Art Trail

Big Dog Art Trail Featured Artist: Judy & Morgan Guillery

Date published: 16 June 2023

Mother and son duo Judy and Morgan Guillery are set to let love grow when they feature on The Big Dog Art Trail this summer.

The pair from Mouldon View have both had their designs selected to feature on the trail, which is being brought to Swindon from July 15 to September 3 by Julia’s House and the global art producer Wild in Art.

 

After winning the design competition run by the Swindon Advertiser – the official media partner of The Big Dog Art Trail – Morgan, 12, has been working alongside his mum, whose design was selected by Swindon Borough Council.

 

They have been busy painting their balloon-dog sculptures at the joint painting space in the Carriage Works alongside other Swindon-based artists and some who have travelled from further afield to take part in the sculpture trail.

 

It is a fitting location for Morgan’s design, which is inspired by Swindon’s history with the railways.

“It’s crazy having a Swindog on The Big Dog Art Trail,” said Morgan, who is one of the youngest people ever to create a large sculpture on a Wild in Art trail.

 

“I decided to go with a Steam Punk theme. It is silver and has lots of panelling designed into it representing Swindon’s heritage with the railway works.

 

“I’m excited to see people on the trail, when it is live, posing with a dog that I have painted.

 

“It’s been great working alongside my mum. We have overcome some difficult challenges putting my original two dimensional design onto the 3D sculpture.”

Morgan Guillery looking under the belly of his Swindog for The Big Dog Art Trail

The sculpture will be one of 30 Swindogs on the trail, which is raising money for Julia’s House children’s hospice, and will be located at the Old Town Gardens.

 

Meanwhile, Judy’s sculpture will be located in the gardens of the Swindon Borough Council offices on Euclid Street.

 

Her design reflects her art journey, which began with painting family trees and now will see her work on display to thousands of visitors to Swindon as part of the Wild in Art trail.

 

“It’s a dream come true to have a Swindog sculpture on The Big Dog Art Trail,” Judy said.

 

“My design is nature based and will has the words ‘love grows’ across it with flowers and cute creatures.

 

“I wanted to do something eye-catching to children, where they could look for the different elements.

 

“With the Swindog, it will be a chance for me to put my art on the map. It really feels like I’ve arrived.

 

“To do it alongside my son as well, is very special.

 

“We are among some extraordinarily talented artists which is such an honour. I’m really excited to get out on the trail and see the finished pieces in situ.”

Judy and Morgan Guillery stood in front of their two Swindogs for The Big Dog Art Trail

The art trail will end with a grand farewell finale where all of the Swindogs and around 40 smaller Swinpup sculptures will be brought together under one roof. 

The giant one-of-a-kind sculptures will then head off to their forever homes after being adopted at a special auction event to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice. And the smaller Swinpups will be returned to the schools and community groups that created them.

 

Find out more about the trail, the other artists and find out where the Swindogs and Swinpups will be located around Swindon by visiting our go to guide here.

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