ThinkOTB is supporting Leeds Bear Hunt, a public art event which Leeds Hospitals Charity is bringing to the city this summer to raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Over 35 individually designed, super-sized bear sculptures are making their way into Leeds to form a spectacular free art trail across the city’s streets and public spaces from 1st July through to 9th September.
The event’s unique sculpture has been inspired by the bear from the award-winning TV animation based on Michael Rosen’s best-selling children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, published by Walker Books, and has been commissioned and created especially for Leeds.
Each Bear along the trail, which has been developed in partnership with Wild in Art and Walker Productions/Lupus Films, will be decorated with a unique design by a local or national artist.
The Leeds-based marketing agency, which is sponsoring one of the bears, has chosen a design by northern artist, painter and maker Caroline Dowsett.
Commenting on her design, called ‘Bloom’, Caroline said: “The use of colours and composition are inspired by feelings of joy, and that is the main source of inspiration in my work. I want to evoke a sense of optimism and bring a splash of colour into our everyday lives.”
The artist, whose design is being kept under wraps until the official Bear Hunt launch in June, added: “It’s a real honour to be part of such an important cause.”
Leeds Bear Hunt will bring together the business and creative sectors with local schools and communities to celebrate Leeds’s heritage and showcase its diverse cultural offer and artistic talent.
At the end of the trail, the bears will be auctioned off to raise funds for Leeds Children’s Hospital in its mission to support very poorly children and their families. ThinkOTB’s founder and chairman, Mark Davies, is a volunteer trustee at Leeds Hospitals Charity. He said: “We’re proud to be involved with Leeds Bear Hunt and thrilled to work with such a talented young artist as Caroline. Her engaging and colourful design captures the spirit of this fantastic art trail.
“This event is an opportunity for us as an organisation to show our gratitude and support for Leeds Hospitals Charity and its brilliant staff. As somebody who has been fortunate enough to see their incredible hard work and dedication first-hand, I know what a profound difference it makes to the lives of patients and their families.”
