ST Clare Hospice is putting out a call for artists, both amateur and professional, to submit a design which will bring to life a majestic blank canvas lion sculpture, and is holding a Meet The Muse information evening on Thursday 13th November for anyone interested in submitting a design.

The charity recently unveiled the first of 30 fantastically decorated lion sculptures that will roam the streets of Harlow and Epping in summer 2026, brought to you by St Clare Hospice in partnership with global art producers Wild in Art.

Amy Winehouse, who is heading up the search for artist at St Clare said, “We hope our hero lion, transformed into a vibrant Care Bears themed masterpiece by Murwalls, based in Harlow, will inspire aspiring as well as established artists to submit a design for one of our 29 lions! Submissions close on Sunday 4th January 2026.

“The trail will be live for 8 weeks next summer and at the end of the trail, we will host an evening where we will auction off our magnificent lions with the aim of raising as much money as possible for St Clare Hospice, a local charity.”

Amy added, “We know people travel far and wide to see art trails like this, and many famous faces have got involved in designing sculptures for previous trails – from Alison Hammond’s mini bull for Birmingham’s Bulls in the City, to Daft-apeth, aka Serge Pizzorno, lead singer of rock band Kasabian, who created an elephant for Leicester’s art trail. Even Judy Murray couldn’t resist and bought a giant Andy Murray ‘Wimble-Don’ inspired penguin at auction! When it comes to creativity, the possibilities are truly endless.”

Jenny Leonard, an artist who has designed many fabulous Wild in Art sculptures over the years said, “Some of the trails have thousands of footfall and knowing your work has been seen, enjoyed and photographed by so many people is brilliant. I love my work being out in the open and accessible for everyone and not behind doors hidden in a gallery.’

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “Artists are absolutely at the heart of every Wild in Art trail. Their creativity and vision transform our blank sculptures into inspiring works of art that spark imagination, bring communities together, and turn everyday streets into joyful, open-air galleries. Lions on the Loose is a wonderful opportunity for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talent in a truly impactful way.

Lions on the Loose will be a free public art trail, taking over the streets and green spaces of Harlow and Epping in summer 2026. Each sculpture will be uniquely designed by talented artists later this year, with the Care Bears lion expected to be a standout favourite. There is also a fantastic learning programme running alongside the art trail, where schools will be painting their very own mini version of the big lions.

To sponsor a lion or learn more, visit lionsontheloose.co.uk or contact Trail Coordinator Lucy Woodington at [email protected] or 01279 773753.