The Big Hoot – Local Malvern Artist and Illustrator Rachel Blackwell has been commissioned to paint one of the eighty nine 165cm tall owl sculptures that will be flocking around Birmingham this summer.

Rachel’s Owl called Swirly Whirly Birmingham Owl-land will be in the Burlington Arcade in Birmingham for 10 weeks from the 20th of July. Her owl is Inspired by Birminghams architecture, parks and people, this owl includes well known buildings as well as sculptures, canals squares and parks found around the city, it also features a myriad of people – representative of the cities diverse population. Its great fun finding them all in the ‘swirly whirly’ landscape. Sponsored by Hortons property management company.

Rachel is an Artist and Illustrator based in Malvern Worcestershire. She make's paintings of a whimsical world called ‘swirly whirly land - An imaginary world filled with crooked cottages, loopy chimneys, hot air balloons, sparkling stars and button flowers!

Rachel graduated from Worcester University with a degree in Fine Art Practice in 2011. Since then she has exhibited her work nationally at galleries in London, Birmingham, Exeter, Malvern and Worcester.

Info about The Big Hoot: The Big Hoot swoops into Birmingham for ten weeks in the summer of 2015. Presented by Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Wild in Art, this ‘totally owlsome’ occurrence will be the city’s biggest ever, mass participation, public art event. Around 100 (165cm tall) stunningly designed owl sculptures and over 100 owlets decorated by school children will take up perch across Birmingham’s ten districts as part of The Big Hoot trail - a spectacular, visual feast for local communities, tourists and visitors to enjoy. At the end of trail, the large owls will be flying off to new homes, after being auctioned to raise significant funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Info about Wild in Art : Wild in Art is the UK’s leader in the development, management and production of spectacular, mass-appeal public art events which engage residents and tourists alike, through the creation of citywide trails of uniquely painted sculptures. From Gromit sculptures in Bristol, BookBenches in London and Clyde’s Trail of Commonwealth Games mascots in Glasgow, Wild in Art events have animated cities and enthralled people the world over, raising over £6m for charity partners along the way.

Conservation and citizenship are at the heart of Wild in Art’s education work which includes the provision of unique art education resources which engage young people to unleash their creative talent, and enhance learning across the curriculum Dates 15 July 2015 : The Big Hoot preview- VIP reception for owl sponsors, artists and key stakeholders at Fort Dunlop.

20 July - 28 September 2015: The Big Hoot live The owls will be displayed in locations across Birmingham.

10-11 October 2015: The Big Hoot auction preview Last chance to see all the large owls.

Mid October 2015: The Big Hoot auction All large owls will be auctioned to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Email: rachel.a.blackwell@hotmail.co.uk Telephone: 07782349782 Website: www.Ethereal-Earth.co.uk The Big Hoot marketing@thebighoot.co.uk Based on information supplied by Rachel Blackwell.