It may be autumn but it is hoped that visitors will take advantage of the crisp weather and flock to Northumberland.
More than 40 individual sculptures, which were part of the popular Illuminated Sheep installation at sights across Northumberland, have been adopted by North East communities who have customised them to create a free Art Trail across the county, encouraging people to get out and about. Deepa Mann Kler's Illuminated Sheep have already made appearances at Bamburgh Castle, Vindolanda, and Woodhorn Museum in conjunction with the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle.
However, the flock has now been split up. From brownies to breweries, church vestibules to charity shops, and Parish councils to parks, the project has captured the imagination of Northumbrians and communities have customised their sheep following an auction at Hexham Mart.
Read more: The Illuminated Sheep art trail set to bring visitors flocking to Northumberland
For example, Aurora the Star Gazing Sheep will be at Stonehaugh in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, St Oswoold at the Church of St George in Wall, and Strictly Come Sheepy in a Hexham shop window. Online maps and information on walking and cycle routes will also aim to support visitors discover and explore the art trail - rather than pulling the wool over their eyes!
There is also a free programme of activities for schools and families (meaning that they won't be fleeced), including creative workshops, activities in libraries across the county and online activity packs.
Katy Taylor, Queen's Hall Artistic Director, said: "Illuminated Sheep shows our fantastic county in a new light, encouraging both visitors and locals to get out and about to explore Northumberland’s unique landscape, heritage and culture as they follow the flock this autumn. By offering a chance to adopt the sheep as well as exhibiting the whole flock at some of the county’s most iconic venues, this project aims to bring communities together in a celebration of the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to our region, creating a playful modern day pilgrimage that’s accessible to everyone."
Cllr Trevor Cessford, Civic Head at Northumberland County Council, thinks it will be a fun way for people to spend time with their families, saying: "The Art Trail is such a fantastic addition to Northumberland.
"Following the auction at Hexham Mart, the sheep will be heading off to all sorts of wonderful locations and will also be stationed at schools, libraries and community centres around the county. We are encouraging everyone to get out and about and see them, and we have developed accessible walking and cycling trails."
The free Art Trail of 40+ individual sheep adopted and customised by local communities can be found across Northumberland from October 24 - November 30, before the flock is rounded up for a final gathering at the Festival of Flame at Hexham Abbey on December 2.
The following day, December 3, the exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels at the Laing Art Gallery will be brought to a close. For more information including times, locations, public transport, bike and walking routes, visit the Queens Hall website.
What do ewe think of the Illuminated Sheep art trail in Northumberland? Let us know!
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