COLOURFUL, fun and whacky - some of the first ideas for Snowdog designs have emerged.

Early artist submissions have revealed ideas inspired by Elvis Presley and King George IV to decorate giant snowdog sculptures which will form the centrepiece of an arts trail.

Lis Watkins is one of the entrants so far with a design inspired by a Sir Thomas Lawrence portrait of George IV, the prince regent who commissioned the Royal Pavilion.

Other ideas put forward for consideration include a psychedelic pooch and a design celebrating the city's landmarks.

The deadline for submissions is April 1. A panel of experts will look at the designs on April 8 and select designs to take to sponsors. On June 1 snowdog sponsors will be invited to pick their design and team up with an artist.

The designs will brighten up the pack of snowdogs due to be dotted around Brighton and Hove in the autumn to raise money for The Martlets Hospice in the charity art trail Snowdogs by the Sea.

Sarah Harvey, of The Martlets, said they are eager for as many local artists as possible to get involved and the gallery Art Republic, arts company Rush Agency and the Artist Open Houses arts festival are helping to recruit more.

Lawrence Alkin, of Art Republic, said: "This is a great chance for artists to get involved with a big project and get their name out there. It offers a different model and shape to work with which will be a challenge but also fun. There is essentially a blank canvas to work on and they are looking for fun, colourful and quirky designs. It will generate a lot of interest."

The gallery is sponsoring a Snowdog and will offer creative guidance and advice to artists and sponsors. A number of their high profile artists will be submitting designs.

Bournemouth-based mosaic artist Natalie Guy designed the disco dog, which has already taken pride of place in the Martlets Hospice reception. It has been introduced to Norman Cook, aka DJ Fatboy Slim, and best selling author Peter James already.

The mosaic artist, who has taken part in other Wild In Art projects, said: "It's an absolutely fabulous thing to take part in. It really brings the community together and is interesting to people of all ages. They love the characters and the Snowdog is iconic. This will be great exposure for any artist who gets involved. I had great fun making the disco dog - I thought he was a real star and everybody loves a disco ball which is how I came up with the idea. I am a mosaic artist so I break materials up and make something beautiful out of it."

Author Peter James has sponsored a snowdog and is looking for an artist to submit a design with a detective theme. The Argus is another sponsor, and the media partner for the event. This newspaper will have a Newshound and is inviting artists to submit their designs.

HOW THE TRAIL WORKS

THE Martlets has joined forces with events company Wild in Art to host the Snowdog by the Sea trail in Brighton and Hove. 

Wild in Art is known for putting together popular trails of uniquely decorated 3D sculptures of animals and other subjects across the world. 

Following in the footsteps of successful trails in Bristol, London, Birmingham and Norwich, some 50 uniquely designed 1.5 metre Snowdog sculptures will be on display throughout the streets and parks Brighton and Hove for nine weeks from September to November. 

Each will be sponsored by a business or person and an artist will be commissioned to design a theme for each one. 

Visitors can take part in a walking trail around the city to find and photograph each of the Snowdogs. 

Puppy sculptures will also be painted by school children as part of an education programme planned to complement the event.

The Snowdog character is from the film The Snowman and The Snowdog, the 2012 sequel to The Snowman film, which was based on the story by illustrator Raymond Briggs and features Brighton.

At the end of the arts trail all the Snowdogs will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice to provide care and support to those affected by life-limiting illnesses.

The Argus, as media partner and a major supporter, will report on every aspect, providing readers with all the latest news and information on the project.

HELP OUR HOUND

ORGANISERS are on the hunt for artists and sponsors to take part in the Snowdog by the Sea trail. 

Businesses, groups, organisations and individuals are invited to sponsor a sculpture for £5,000. 

Local and national artists and celebrities will be chosen to decorate each of the Snowdogs and will partner with a sponsor. Each dog will be unique, with its own design, personality and story.

Here at The Argus we are looking for an artist to come forward with inventive designs for out newshound Snowdog. 

Artists hoping to take part and anyone keen on sponsoring a Snowdog should call Sarah Harvey at The Martlets on 01273 718797 or email sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk