COLLEGE ROCKET DESIGN TO LAUNCH MESSAGE OF ‘LOVE, PEACE AND KINDNESS’

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Caption: NWSLC Rocket ‘Sent With Love’

Public art trail Rocket Round Leicester is set to benefit from the artistic skills of an artist based in Wales who is designing a giant rocket sculpture on behalf of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC).

Emma Everitt, who lives and works on Barry Island in the Vale of Glamorgan, was inspired to apply for an artist’s spot when she saw the appeal from LOROS Hospice which is working with leading art event producers Wild in Art to create the biggest art event that Leicester has ever seen.

Emma said, “When I first read about the rocket trail, I was drawn to the idea of sending a message out into the universe. We have experienced a rough year but across the world everyone has made sacrifices to protect each other, both those we love as well as total strangers. I had the idea that my rocket design should convey a simple message of ‘love, peace, and kindness’. The heart motif was a natural choice, and their colours are a nod to the rainbows that we displayed in our windows to show our gratitude during lockdown and because I wanted a bright, bold, happy image that will make people smile as they walk past.

“My work is usually inspired by the colours and sounds of nature, in particular the sea. My happy place is sitting on a beach with a sketchbook, listening to the sea while I draw. I love using bold colours and lines to make my pictures pop, either using acrylics or digital media. Best of all, I really love painting murals. It is always exciting to be given free rein over a large empty space like this rocket.

“Transferring a 2D design onto a 3D object is the biggest challenge. I have used several layers of paint to make sure the colours are as bright and bold as possible. I am looking forward to varnishing the rocket now and am hopeful this will make the colours pop even more.”

In addition to Emma’s work, students from NWSLC and Midland Academies Trust schools will also get the chance have their designs showcased as part of the ten-week outdoor art trail around Leicester scheduled to open on 19 July 2021. Students and pupils are working to compete their designs on mini rocket sculptures, known as Junior Jets, due to be installed around the city as part of the Rocket Trail whilst raising money for LOROS.

The scheme features 40 giant rocket sculptures designed by professional artists as part of a spectacular trail that will take visitors to the city’s top spots on a free outdoor art exhibition. NWSLC’s sponsorship of four of the smaller rockets will enable art and design students to compete in a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitch to secure their very own design commission.

The Midland Academies Trust is sponsoring four additional Junior Jets enabling pupils from its four schools, The George Eliot School, The Nuneaton Academy, Hartshill School in Nuneaton and Heath Lane Academy in Earl Shilton, to compete for a design platform.

Carrie-Anne Abdulai, Director for Higher Education and Access to Higher Education Provision for NWSLC said, “We’re delighted to be supporting this project which is designed to give the city of Leicester a tourism boost while raising money for LOROS at the same time.

“For our students, it is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of a live commercial project in which they will need to develop some highly creative ideas, compete against their peers, meet real deadlines, and deliver against their objectives.”

Rocket Round Leicester is anticipated to attract around 300,000 people adding £6m to the city’s economy and contributing to its post-pandemic recovery.

LOROS Hospice is inviting businesses and other organisations to pledge their support to enjoy the benefits sponsorship can bring, whilst also supporting a well-loved charity.

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