North London Hospice Small Logo A Wild in Art event brought to you by North London Hospice

When pupils at Palmers Green’s Laurel Park School heard about our Big Fun Art Adventure, they made sure they were first in line to adopt an owlet. Only last year the school was chosen from more than 1,500 entries to illustrate a bench displayed at the Tower of London during the Coronation celebrations. Keen to reignite their collaborative creativity, add to their sculpture collection and support a local cause, they are dusting off their paintbrushes and already considering names. 

 “I would like to call it Bartholomew,” said 13-year-old Haaris, who remains proud that his school was the only one in London to win last year’s competition, also with Wild in Art. “It’s a fancy name and stands out, which I like, and I think we should add a monocle in to our design.” 

 With the design still to be confirmed, Deputy Headteacher Carrie Bignell wants to ensure it represents Laurel Park, having rebranded with a new name and identity over the summer. 

 “I am a firm believer in every child finding their superpower,” she said. “A project like this opens their eyes to what else is out there and the different ways people can achieve, while being an ambassador for our school.” 

 In addition, they are pleased to be able to support North London Hospice. 

 “Personally, my grandma was there many years ago, so the hospice matters to me,” Carrie said. “But more than that, it’s a big part of our community with the shops all around. Plus, we have sadly had pupils affected by the loss of a loved one recently and it’s a way to open conversations around dying and what services are available to our student body.” 

For Haari, who is usually more comfortable in a maths lesson, the chance to play a part in these projects is really exciting. 

 “I’m usually quite logical, but when I can draw freely, I love it,” he said. “Owls stay in one place and I am looking forward to giving it a home here with us.” 

Creatively-inclined Mary, 13, enjoyed last year’s effort so much, she is keen to get started. 

“There is no such thing as being wrong in art,” she said. “It’s about people coming together to show what they can achieve and it can help people to socialise and come out of their shell. In doing this for the hospice, I hope we can reflect the idea of being grateful for what we can do and what we do have and to think about others.” 

 We have a small number of owlets still looking to be adopted. Showcase the talent of your school or group and celebrate your community’s creativity in North London’s biggest ever public art trail. 

Organised by North London Hospice, with support from Haringey Council and in partnership with Wild in Art, our trail will be made up of over 60 decorated owls. There will be about 30 large owls, sponsored by businesses and uniquely decorated by local and regional artists, and a similar number of smaller owls – our owlets – that are adopted and designed by local schools and community groups. The parliament of owls will swoop into Haringey on Saturday 17 August 2024 and will roost on their plinths until Sunday 13 October. After the eight-week trail, the owlet will return to roost with you at their forever home.  

For more information visit bigfunartadventure.org  

﷟HYPERLINK “https://issuu.com/nlondonhospice/docs/wia_schools_community_web?fr=xKAE9_7Q8Hg” 

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