Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 revealed as latest St Elizabeth Hospice art trail

Categories: Community Engagement, Featured, and Fundraising.

After much excitement and intrigue St Elizabeth Hospice has revealed the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 will be
the latest art trail to be held in the town in partnership with creative producers, Wild in Art.


The identity of the owl sculptures, which will make up the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, were revealed virtually on Thursday 6th May across St Elizabeth Hospice’s social media platforms.

As part of the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, between June and September next year, 40 ornately decorated owl sculptures, featuring designs celebrating all things Suffolk, will be scattered throughout the town showcasing the wealth of artistic talent of the county and beyond.

“We are so pleased to reveal the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 and hope the whole community is as excited as
us with the sculptures,”

said Terry Hunt, a trustee at St Elizabeth Hospice.

“The inspiration came about as the hospice team felt the popular view of owls being knowledgeable and
wise creatures linked to the support St Elizabeth Hospice has provided patients and families since 1989,
whilst taking them under the wing of its care.

“While Ipswich, where the trail will be held, also has a strong connection with owls courtesy of the popular figures of Mabel and Matilda the tawny owls seen in Christchurch Park for many years.
“Similar to our previous Wild in Art trails, we hope the Big Hoot will provide a chance for the hospice to show gratitude to all its supporters, while also providing a much needed tonic of positivity for all.”

The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 will be third art trail brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, following the success of Pigs Gone Wild 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019. Both previous trails raised awareness and funds for the hospice as well as encouraging more people to visit Ipswich town centre.

Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk, and its subsequent statue auction and accompanying fundraising activities, generated more than £260,000 for the hospice and Pigs Gone Wild is estimated to have brought an extra £1 million to Ipswich’s economy through increased visits and spending in the town, as 250,000 people completed the art trail in the town.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art said:

“We are proud to continue our partnership with St Elizabeth Hospice and unveil The Big Hoot. It will be an owl-some opportunity for businesses, the creative sector and communities to come together and create something very special for Ipswich next summer.”

The announcement also revealed the all-important first ‘Big Hoot’ – A Hoot to Suffolk – designed by Suffolk artist Angie Ashford, who previously designed the Elmer Travel Trunk sculpture in the hospice’s Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.

A full-time artist, and former healthcare assistant at Ipswich Hospital, Angie’s work features the oxlip, a flower synonymous with Suffolk, entwined among scenes from around the county, encapsulating the beauty of the area where St Elizabeth Hospice supports more than 3,000 patients and their families every year.

“I was keen for my design to focus on Suffolk, especially after the difficult year Covid-19 has brought, it was important to celebrate the positives around us,” explained Angie. Taking part in Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019 was a great experience and it was fantastic to see so many people coming to Ipswich, especially families, to enjoy the trail. To be asked to take part in the Big Hoot 2022 is a real privilege, but to be chosen to be the artist which designs the first Hoot, I am still pinching myself!”

Heralding from Trimley St Mary, Angie is well known for her varied artwork including portraiture, pastel and charcoal work as well as pet portraits.

This is not the first time Angie has supported St Elizabeth Hospice and its art trails. As she also designed the popular Elmer Travel Trunk which featured in the hospice’s Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019, before finding a new home aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral cruise ship, following an auction of the statues in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice.

Angie said: “Art has always been an interest of mine. It’s a wonderful way of expressing yourself and I enjoy losing myself in my work, its very relaxing. Taking part in Elmer’s Big Parade 2019 was a great experience and it was fantastic to see so many people coming to Ipswich, especially families, to enjoy the trail. To be asked to take part in the Big Hoot 2022 is a real privilege, but to be chosen to be the artist which designs the first Hoot, I am still pinching myself!”

Angie is not the only member of her family to be a St Elizabeth Hospice supporter, with her dad John Morley being a hospice fundraiser. From skydiving to abseiling down Ipswich Hospital, both after passing his 90th birthday, John has given considerable support to the hospice and even encouraged Angie to take part in Elmer’s Big Parade 2019.
“Dad was a day visitor to the hospice in 2018 and when he heard the Elmers were taking place he told me to get involved,” added Angie.

“He loves to support St Elizabeth Hospice and it is a cause close to both our hearts. My sister died a few years before the hospice was established and it would have been a service she would have likely used. So we are keen other families, who have experienced similar experiences to us, should have the opportunity to receive the support of the hospice if possible.

“That is what is so good about the art trails, not only are they bright and happy events but they also highlight the work of the hospice and how it enables people, who are nearing the end of life, to live well in an environment which is calm and welcoming.
While supported by staff who make you feel comfortable and bring good to the lives of many people, during difficult times.
It is such a special charity and wherever you go in Suffolk you meet people who know someone who has a relative, a friend or a loved one who has been cared for by St Elizabeth Hospice. It really is at the centre of the community and the Big Hoot 2022 is the perfect way for us all to come together and show our support.”

For more information about Wild in Art 2022 visit:   https://thebighoot.co.uk/

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity providing free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney. Centred on an individual’s needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.

http://www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/

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