- The Shrewsbury Arts Trail is returning this summer with a renewed focus on “the environment” and several floral displays and exhibitions.
- The trail, which takes place between July 1 and August 31, will feature a diverse range of artworks and installations by renowned artists, including Halima Cassell MBE.
Halima Cassell MBE, a celebrated sculptor from Shropshire, will be leading the trail with her two major works, Memento Mori and Virtues of Unity. The former, a striking eight-foot solid iron sculpture, will be displayed outside Shrewsbury Castle, while the latter, a clay installation, will feature in the “Inspirational Exhibition” at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery.
Halima Cassell MBE said, “As a local artist, it’s nice to get involved in local events, and Shrewsbury Arts Trail is so important in opening the creative world to a wider audience. It’s essential to have a lot of culture and modern art in smaller towns too.”
Halima’s Virtues of Unity sculpture is made from clays sourced from around the world and seeks to offer a message of unity and shared humanity. The sculptor added, “The more we can see and understand that we are really very much the same, hopefully there won’t be so much division and prejudice. We should appreciate our subtle differences and remind ourselves of the connection we have.”
Andrew Logan MBE, a renowned sculptor, will also be featured in the trail with his new piece Black Rose. This water feature, designed to be seen in nature, will rise from the pond in The Dingle. Originally commissioned in 1973 for the iconic BIBA store in Kensington, the sculpture has been described by Logan as “a natural wonder.”
Key Highlights of the Shrewsbury Arts Trail
•
- Halima Cassell MBE and Andrew Logan MBE will be showcasing their works in the town-wide sculpture trail and exhibitions.
- Halima Cassell MBE’s Memento Mori will be displayed outside Shrewsbury Castle, while her Virtues of Unity will feature in the “Inspirational Exhibition” at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery.
- Andrew Logan MBE’s Black Rose will rise from the pond in The Dingle.
- Halima Cassell MBE’s Memento Mori is an eight-foot solid iron sculpture made from locally-sourced materials.
- Andrew Logan MBE’s Black Rose is a water feature designed to be seen in nature, originally commissioned in 1973.
Jacob Chandler, Shrewsbury-born artist, created the One Giant Leap for Humankind sculpture for Birmingham New Street Station. He will debut a new gold-plated bronze work named IN HOC SIGNO at the trail.
James Tapscott, Australian land and light artist, will showcase his photographs of 500,000-year-old Antarctic ice core samples. He said, “Art gives people not just a sense of escapism, but reminds us who we are and what humanity is about.”
The Shrewsbury Arts Trail relies heavily on community support, but funding remains a challenge. Jess Richards, founder of the arts trail, said, “We have raised just £1,000 of the £6,000 that we hoped to through public donations. We’d be grateful for any support to help make this happen.”
The trail will feature public art installations, exhibitions, and workshops throughout the summer. In tribute to Shrewsbury reaching the RHS Britain in Bloom finals, local school children have created flower-themed flags that will be displayed in the high street.
Filmmaker Aaron Child will also debut a mini-documentary on the trail this summer. Aaron said, “Art gives people not just a sense of escapism, but reminds us who we are and what humanity is about.”
| Year | Attendance | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15,000 | £5,000 |
| 2021 | 12,000 | £4,000 |
| 2020 | 10,000 | £3,000 |
Laura Ford, President of the Royal Society of Sculptors, will be featured in the trail with her Nature Girls bronze figures – Conifer Girl, Bush Girl, and Stump Girl. Her Bedtime Boysculpture will appear in the Tudor Gallery.
Aaron Child, filmmaker, will debut a mini-documentary on the trail this summer.
About the Author