The Short Tail Trail is a free art trail running from 6 July to 12 September across Luton’s key landmarks, streets and open spaces. Each sculpture is designed by an artist and auctioned at the end to raise vital funds for the Keech Hospice Care, a charity providing free, specialist care for adults in Luton and Bedfordshire and children from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes living with a life-limiting illness.

Cawleys’ hare sculpture entitled ‘Change’ has been designed by Freelance Artist Charlie Stafford and celebrates ‘our delicate ecosystem while showcasing hand painted butterflies, caterpillars and cocoons which all hint to the cycle of life.’ This year will see the biggest collection of sculptures yet featuring 90 beautiful hares and tortoises around Luton’s landmarks.

Charlie Stafford said, “My art practice is about supporting regenerative, sustainable practice and I absolutely loved painting this unique design with all the different shades of green! With over 46 butterflies, 19 caterpillars and 23 cocoons! The cycle of life also hints to the excellent care Keech provides to support those with progressive, life limiting conditions and the butterflies are a tribute to those who are no longer with us and the fragility of life.

“It is so important to receive sponsorship for projects like this because it enables artists to contribute and network with businesses to create something incredible for and with the community. Raising money for an incredible cause while enriching the community with art and culture! Cawleys have been a great sponsor in supporting this shared goal.”

Phil Gudgeon, Managing Director at Cawleys said, “We have been supporting Keech Hospice since 2010 through a wide range of sponsorship, fundraising and volunteering projects and we are delighted to continue this support with the spectacular public art trail. Charlie’s design and sustainable practice aligns perfectly with our values and we’re incredibly proud to have our logo featured on the artwork. The Cawleys’ team are excited to visit the trail and I have no doubt it will provide an interactive and fun day out for the local community.”

Fun fact: Elements of Cawleys’ sculpture glows under a black light (fluorescent light).

The unique art trail features both big and small characters with each large sculpture sponsored by a business and individually designed by an artist, and all small sculptures designed by local schools and community groups.

To find out more about the Short Tail Trail and see Cawleys’ beautiful sculpture up close, you can find the art trail map here www.shorttailtrail.co.uk #ShortTailTrail