Two dead and diseased trees are getting a new lease of life when they are turned into lasting sculptures as part of a community project.
Babergh District Council and Gainsborough’s House are working in partnership on the concept that will see young people working with artist Jeff Higley in order to create the sculptures in Belle Vue Park, Sudbury.
Mr Higley, whose recent commissions include Hainault Forest Trail and Tiptree Heath Art Trail in Essex, has a great interest in art, land and the environment.
In May, 35 young people from Suffolk County Council Youth and Connexions Service, Great Cornard and Sudbury Upper Schools will take part in a workshop that will create the designs for the trees. They will be based on the park – its past, people and nature.
An appeal is also being made to find Mr Higley accommodation in the community – in the form of a caravan or spare room - during the duration of the project.
Susie Tyrrell, the District Council’s Arts and Community Development Officer, said: “The aim is to engage young people in community arts activities and enable them to see their ideas come to life in permanent sculptures.
“The young people involved would also be gaining skills in carving – both in the workshops and on site with the trees themselves.
“It is also an ideal way to celebrate Belle Vue Park and create sculptures that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area.
The wider community will also have a chance to get involved with a print workshop, inspired by Belle Vue Park. The activity is taking place on Thursday, June 1 at Gainsborough’s House from 10.30am-12.30pm or 2pm-4pm. There is a charge of £2 per person to cover the cost of materials.
Local groups helping to fund the project include Sudbury Town Council, Sudbury in Bloom, The Sudbury Society and Waitrose. It is also being supported by Arts Council England, East and the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
The project will culminate at a Summer in the Park event which is being held on September 3 in Belle Vue where the tree carvings will be unveiled. The day will include skate, sport and arts activities for young people and families.
If you can help in any way – either with accommodation for Mr Higley or have stories to tell about the park, please call Susie Tyrrell on (01473) 826615 or email: susie.tyrrell@babergh.gov.uk.
More information on the carving project.
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