SPATTERED in multi-coloured paint, children found their inner Jackson Pollock as they decorated a snowpuppy.

Down went a large, plastic mat and out came the aprons as Chailey Heritage School pupils pelted the white, pooch-shaped canvas with paint-filled syringes.

The finished product was a brightly decorated pup resembling the work of the American modernist painter.

Part of the Snowdog By The Sea project, the snowpuppy, named Basley, was taken to the school last Friday by owners Parsons Son and Basley.

Materials were provided by Lawrence Art Supplies and teacher Helen Dunman helped organise the event.

The Argus:

BEFORE: The snow puppy stands completely bare as Chailey Heritage School pupils prepare to pelt it with syringes full of paint Picture: Terry Applin

Paula Marten, a manager at the Lewes school for children with complex disabilities, said there was a great sense of adventure, adding: "Our students need to learn about the world around them using all their senses to compensate for the huge impact of their physical and learning disabilities.

The Argus:

The painting gets underway Picture: Terry Applin

"They could see colour, touch paint, smell paint, hear the buzz of chatter all around them and express themselves through noise, talk and laughter. The syringes meant students with very limited hand function could be involved. The students were asked to choose the colours and also where they wanted to aim the paint. Both the students and staff were thrilled to be involved in the whole project."

The Argus:

AFTER: The snowpuppy takes on a modernistic Jackson Pollock-style look after it was decorated Picture: Terry Applin

After drying off, Basley visited the starting line of the goGirl 5km seafront run that evening.

Kristy Adams, of the Brighton-based Parsons Son and Basley estate agent, chartered surveyor and auctioneer, said: "This was about allowing the students a chance to be independent and art is sometimes a good way to go a bit out of control and let loose.

"This was a real pleasure to work on. I've been involved with a lot of arts projects and this has been the most fun."

The Argus:

The room was full of laughter as students took part Picture: Terry Applin

More than 20 of the miniature snowdogs have also been adopted by schools to take part in The Martlets Hospice education programme alongside the trail.

Students can take part in themed lessons, activities and outings, exploring love and loss as mentioned in the tale of the Snowdog - the sequel to the Sussex-based Raymond Briggs' classic book The Snowman.

Forty giant decorated models will stand proud on the streets from September to November to raise money for charity.

The pups meanwhile will be at either Brighton or Hove museum to welcome visitors.

The Argus:

The students admire their work Picture: Terry Applin

Basley will embark on a tour of the city - offering businesses the chance to take him on holiday to their office for a week in return for a £100 donation to the hospice.

Parsons Son and Basley will host the official Snowdog auction which takes place in December once the trail has concluded.

The Argus is the media partner for the Martlets Hospice and Wild Art Snowdogs by the Sea project.

How to get involved

BUSINESSES, groups, organisations and individuals can sponsor a fully-grown Snowdog sculpture to be part of the arts trail descending on Brighton and Hove later this year. 
For £5,000 sponsors will be suited to an artist to invent an eye-catching design for the pooch. The finished articles will be revealed in September.
For information call Sarah Harvey at The Martlets Hospice on 01273 718797, email sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk or download a sponsor pack at snowdogsbythesea.co.uk.