Art in Poundbury's Art in the Sunflowers project a success

As previously reported, Art in Poundbury’s ‘Art in the Sunflowers’ project took place at the Sunflower Trail on Maiden Castle Farm.

The sunflower trail, organised by the Hoskin family, is now in its fourth year and raises money for the Special Baby Care Unit at Dorset County Hospital.

An artist painting at Maiden Castle farm (Image: Art in Poundbury) Artistic director of Art in Poundbury Judy Tate said: “It was fascinating and magnificent to see what the artists came up with.

“You would have expected the artists to take up a lot of space given how many of them there were, but as soon as they started, they disappeared among the field.

“As I walked around every corner I could see a real mix of young, elderly, beginner and experienced artists- and everyone was so creative.”

Talking about the variety of different mediums on display, Ms Tate, said: “We saw everything from an artist who only used her glasses and twigs from the ground to paint to someone who made a collage- which seemed like a great idea at first until you factored in the wind- but her piece was exquisite.”

An artist painting at Maiden Castle farm (Image: Art in Poundbury) The event was helping to raise additional funds for the Special Baby Care Unit and although a final figure has not yet been revealed on what was raised Miss Tate said she is hopeful that the contribution will make a significant contribution to the campaign.

Art was judged in three categories; enthusiasts, established artists and artists aged between six to 15 years old. The work will be judged by Art in the Hospital and announced shortly in a presentation.

Speaking on the growing relationship between Art in Poundbury and Art in the Hospital, Miss Tate added: “We’re looking forward to working more closely with them in the future, and we hope we get invited back to next year’s trail.”

Hazel Hoskins, owner of the farm, said: “It was an absolutely fabulous day all round. There was such a big variation in artists- it was really lovely.”

Hazel Hoskins with budding artists (Image: Art in Poundbury) Prizes include £100 for the winners of both experienced and enthusiastic artists over the age of 16. There is a £30 Herrings art supply voucher for the winning artist for the aged six to 15 category.

All pictures from the day have been compiled into an online gallery of images, where people can directly contact the artist to buy paintings. Work will also be displayed in the hospital.

To view the online gallery, visit www.artinpoundbury.co.uk and go to the galleries tab. The trail will remain open until Saturday, August 31.