Over six weeks in spring 2019 an estimated 20,000 – 30,000 visitors experienced the ArtSpace ‘Into The Outwoods Sculpture Trail’. Well over 1,000 visitors directly participated in creative workshops.
Nita Rao completed 20 days working as ‘artist in residence’ in the Loughborough Outwoods. In addition 13 commissions were given to local charnwood artists, mostly ArtSpace members, to add to Nitas’ residency work to make a mile and a quarter long trail. Following are some images from the project and some visitor comments.
“Wonderful seeing a very familiar site a fresh. Great for dealing with anxiety. Loved the variety and sensitivity to natural surroundings”
“I loved the stunning willow sculptures. They all looked magnificent against the wooded surroundings. I also loved spotting the tree men. It made me look up at the trees and their structures above me. I also loved the Earth sculpture with the ribbon messages to help protect our Earth. It was inspiring. I look forward to next year’s event. This event has brought so many people into the woods and together. It encourages creativity and togetherness. Thank you“
“I enjoyed all the sculptures but particularly liked looking for the 42 tree people, have been twice & only found 34, will need to go again!”
“Wonderful diversity of sculptures, very thought provoking”
“Quality, variety, interest, creativity. An outstanding event”
“Wonderful to experience sculpture in such a beautiful setting. Inspiring and thought provoking and my two year old grandchild loved looking for the tiny people”
“This was wonderful. Attempted on Sunday but far too busy. Had the woods to myself Monday evening. Gorgeous thanks”
“We came 2 weeks running even though it was raining didn’t stop us it was brilliant loved it please thank everyone for their hard work”
“We thoroughly enjoyed the sculpture trail and highly recommended friends and family to visit. Looking forward to next year’s art installations. We thought it was absolutely amazing!! Well done to everyone involved!!”
“Great that so many families were engaging with it”
“Lots of activities, friendly people, open community vibe, creative. I adored ‘back to nature’ and loved ‘Persephone returns’. I really enjoyed it.”
“Clear labels, wonderfully organic, blended in with woodland colours, eclectic designs, love the spider webs”
“We saw the woods in a new way. Workshops great. Wonderful and engaging as a family”
“All superb. Excellent that it was so good for adults and not just geared for children”
“Wonderful the way the artworks complimented the beautiful woods and the pieces that really made you think about our impact on the natural world”
“Every little thing was an absolute delight”
“Inspiring and thought provoking”
“We thought it was absolutely amazing!! Well done to everyone involved!!”
“Wonderful to experience sculpture in such a beautiful setting. Inspiring and thought provoking and my two year old grandchild loved looking for the tiny people”
“Great that the trail was able to engage the children, the discovery. The sculptures fitted so well with the setting”