WHO let the dogs out?

Brighton went Snowpuppy mad yesterday as the 22 colourful canines were unveiled by school children.

The Brighton and Hove primary school pupils showed off the three-foot statues at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery ahead of the Snowdogs By The Sea art trail which launches next weekend.

The Snowpuppies, which will be displayed in museums and galleries, are miniature accompaniments for the 44 Snowdogs which will appear on the city’s streets.

The two month open air art trail will see thousands of pounds raised for the Martlets Hospice, Hove.

Among the Snowpuppy designs, which have been created by the children, include a dog decorated in sea shells, another inspired by a Hove beach hut and even a superhero puppy.

The children of Westdene Primary School painted an impressionist-style vista of Sussex around their Snowpuppy, which includes murmurations of starlings, the Seven Sisters cliffs and poppy fields.

Ruby Bradley, six, said: “I painted the poppies. I just did little dots. We all did it at the same time and I had to crawl on the floor to paint them. I really liked it.”

There were speeches at the event by Brighton and Hove mayor, Pete West and Martlets chief executive Imelda Glacken.

Ms Glacken said that the story of The Snowman And The Snowdog resonated with carers and staff at the Martlets Hospice.

She said: “The story of the Snowdog tells our story at the Martlets, because sometimes you lose people and it’s sad but then life gives you the opportunity to make new memories with new people.”

Bevendean Primary School’s Snowdog was particularly eye-catching. It featured a riot of colours and shapes, complete with a fuzzy cape and fibreglass bone hanging around its neck.

Francesca MacLeod, who works at Bevendean Primary, said: “It’s called BOSH, Bevendean’s Own Super Hero.

“At the school we help people with their concerns and we wanted a mascot to help with that.

"He’s got all the qualities of a good friend, he’s got a listening ear, and he’s got a bone around his neck that the kids can put their worries into, and help them go away.”

The Argus is the official media partner for the Wild in Art project.

Where to find the Snowpuppies

The Snowpuppies designed and decorated by the children of Coldean and Elm Grove Primary Schools will be on display in the Jubilee Library.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery will host colourful canines from Bevendean, Middle Street, Westdene and Woodingdean Primary Schools as well as The Connected Hub.

The Booth Museum of Natural History will display the dogs from Coombe Road and Brunswick Primaries and Lancing College Prep School.

Children at Blatchington Mill, Brackenbury Primary, St Mary’s Primary, Downs Park, Hove Junior and PACA can see their creations on display at Hove Museum.

And Hove Library will display designs from West Hove Infants School, Hillside Special School, Goldstone Primary School and the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service.

  • Don’t miss a special Argus Snowdogs by the Sea supplement in every copy of Saturday’s paper. This is your ultimate guide on how to take part in the charity arts trail featuring all the information you need including a map, quiz, facts and an introduction to all the sculptures. Visit The Argus stand at Brighton Railway Station from 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday to pick up your copy and get your hands on a special Snowdog trail survival kit goody bag. 20p of every sale made will be donated to The Martlets Hospice.