A new sculpture trail featuring snow dogs is making waves in Buxton, Derbyshire, with the aim of raising funds for the Blyth House Hospice. We caught up with Sophie Wheeldon, a senior community fundraiser at the hospice, to get the inside scoop on this colorful initiative.

“The sculptures are absolutely incredible,” Sophie exclaimed when asked about the 12 large snow dog creations located at key spots around Buxton. Inspired by the sequel to Raymond Briggs’s beloved story, The Snowman and the Snowdog, these vibrant installations have been decorated by artists from across the country. The pieces will be auctioned in December to support the hospice’s efforts in the High Peak.

Sophie shared her enthusiasm: “It’s a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our hospice and for the town itself. It’s just beautiful to see them all in their glory.” The snow dogs can be found outside landmarks such as the Crescent, the Opera House, the Palace Hotel, and Pavilion Gardens, each with a reserve price of £1,500 at the auction scheduled for December 19 at the Palace Hotel.

Additionally, funds will be raised through the sales of a trail map that guides visitors to each sculpture. The project is spearheaded by Wild in Art, a company known for similar initiatives like the Ram Trail in Derby and the Hoodwinked fundraiser. Annie Laughrin, the Art and Learning manager at Wild in Art, elaborated on the motivation behind the trail: “The Snowdog character is loved by children all over the country, and we wanted to bring this to such a lovely spa town. It’s a wonderful feeling to know we’re animating this beautiful space while supporting a fantastic hospice that cares for people during their toughest times.”

As enthusiasm builds in the community, it’s clear that this sculpture trail is not just an art display but a heartfelt effort to give back and uplift those in need.