Rhinos Being Painted For Southampton Trail

A herd of painted rhinos is being prepared - to form a trail across Southampton.

Shoppers can watch artists in action as they decorate sculptures for the Go! Rhinos trail this summer. They're at The Marlands Shopping Centre transforming the giant sculptures into stunning works of art.

Kirstie Mathieson, Go Rhinos! project manager said:

"We have some incredible work going on at The Marlands Shopping centre and it's a real treat for the public to see the artists in action. A wide range of designs have been chosen, some designs are comical, some are high tech and others are just simply beautiful.

"So come and make the most of the opportunity to meet the artists and get an exclusive peek of the designs."

There are currently five artists in the public painting space creating a range of different colourful rhinos.

Southampton based artist Will Rosie is creating a spectacular rhino mosaic for business sponsor Skandia, he said:

"Working in a public space is really good fun and it's fantastic to be able to engage with the local community and let them watch the artists in action."

When he first began the project he asked shoppers to assist him by glueing a tile to the rhino sculpture which he has named 'Enrhinomental'. Will then took his art work to the Skandia offices and Marwell Zoo where employees were given the opportunity to take part too.

He added:

"Every person who has contributed to the art work has signed their name in a book so I can see just how far and wide people have come. So far we've had many shoppers on their holidays, some from as far afield as South Africa and Canada!"

Artists will be in the public space at Marlands until the end of May. The finished rhinos will form a trail around the city, which starts on July 13 and lasts for 10 weeks.

Marwell Wildlife has joined forces with Business Solent, Southampton City Council, and Wild in Art to bring together residents, visitors, schools, artists and businesses for this unique experience.

Once the trail finishes in September, the rhino sculptures will be auctioned off to raise vital funds for Marwell Wildlife's conservation work, The Rose Road Association and Wessex Heartbeat's High 5 Appeal.