Charlie Langhorne FRSA, Wild in Art’s Co-founder and Managing Director shares some of his favourite designs as the first guest curator of Wild in Art’s big virtual art trail.

Charlie set up Wild in Art in 2008 and since then has developed over 90 art trails in over 55 towns and cities across the world.

A former sports executive and army officer, Charlie was previously at the forefront of taking exhibitions of cow sculptures to cities across Europe as Managing Director of CowParade.

He is also a Fellow of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).

Why did Wild in Art develop Wild in Art World’s big virtual art trail?

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on the cultural and event industries, the creative community and the towns and cities where we work. It was inevitable early on that we were going to have to postpone the art trails we had planned in the UK for the spring and summer 2020.

At the same time we recognised that there is a huge amount of creativity out there – not just amongst our wonderful artists, designers and makers – but everyone can be creative. The opportunity to be creative and come together in a shared experience can have a huge positive impact on wellbeing, particularly during these difficult times.

Our vision for Wild in Art World and our big virtual art trail is to celebrate and showcase creativity and give our trail audiences an opportunity to connect with us and the wider Wild in Art family while we can’t be out there in the real world.

What are your top ten designs so far?

There are so many to choose from! I was struck by the breadth of creativity and diversity of designs. I especially noticed the creations that went the extra mile by displaying their creations outdoors and in unusual settings. I’m impressed with the talent and support of the Wild in Art fan base and thank all the wonderfully amazing creative people who have supported this project.

• J D Higgs: Bee
• Joseph and Thomas De Cet: Frog & Hare
• Corys Bee: Bee
• Maggie: The Snowdog quilt
• Emily: Elephant
• Skye Taylor: Dolphin
• Kevmakes: Dragon, Lighthouse & Giraffe
• Bex: Elephant
• Jakey: Frog & Elephant
• CraftByAndrewM: A Penguin fae Glaesga

What does art and creativity mean to you?

As someone who would never consider themselves an artist, art and creativity mean freedom to me. As someone who actively disliked school, I only wish that I had ‘discovered’ art earlier, and thereby had the opportunity to learn and develop artistic skills. Art and creativity mean freedom to think and freedom to create outside of what society perceives as cultural norms.

Who or what is your greatest inspiration/greatest influence?

My Dad, quite simply the kindest person I have ever known. He’s also as mad as a box frogs. I’m not sure how creative he is, but he has just made a set of giant dominoes out of wooden pallets…

What is the best thing about being involved in a Wild in Art event?

Wild in Art is committed to widening participation in the visual arts through accessible events and creative learning programmes and I’m always humbled to see how Wild in Art events genuinely touch people’s hearts. There are very few things that bring together the commercial, public, education and artistic communities and reach out to people of every generation with such passion. They enable many people to connect and enjoy creativity through memorable and joyful experiences.

And finally, when will Wild in Art be back in the real world and where can we find find you?

Wild in Art is made up of teams of people in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. At present, our Australia and New Zealand events – Me and UooUoo with The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation in Melbourne, Australia and Pop Up Penguins in Christchurch, New Zealand – are both scheduled to go live this autumn.

We hope to be able to make announcements about our UK events in the autumn and we’ll keep giving you updates on our website, social media and via our newsletters over the coming weeks.

For now stay safe and we’ll be back soon!