Animal Madness for May in Summertown

Submitted by Esther Lafferty on Mon, 23/04/2012 - 9:17am
James C Cochrane's zoo sculptures.

It’s animal madness in Summertown next week as a zoo complete with panda, penguins and a giraffe, moves onto the High Street for May Day. But watch out for the Zoo-keeper!

A collection of fantastic animal sculptures created from papier-mâché, plaster and paint by local artist James C Cochrane will fill the Farrow & Ball shop on Summertown High Street throughout May, and inspire local children to create their own animal costumes and masks for the forthcoming Animal Boogie Parade on Saturday 12th, part of the Oxfordshire Artweeks festival. With music and movement starting at The North Wall to get the kids howling like wolves, the parade on the 12th will begin at 11am and finish at 12 noon with prizes for all, and local children's book illustrator Korky Paul judging the best costume. Everyone’s welcome to join the fun.

James C Cochrane is a freelance artist and illustrator from Headington. He was educated at Cheney School and Oxford Brookes University before studying theatre design at Central St Martins in London and is an acknowledged expert in Paper Sculpture. His work sells in shops and galleries around the countryand he has produced many commissions including 18 colourful and quirky figures for a nativity installation in Gloucester Cathedral.

Photo opportunities:

Papier-Mache Zoo installed in Summertown window for Artweeks: Monday 30th April 10.30 am James C Cochrane’s papier mache zoo is installed in the window of Farrow & Ball, 225 Banbury Road Summertown OX2 7HS. Penguins, pandas, brightly coloured fish and a giraffe. Contact James Cochrane 07816 129970

The Animal Boogie Parade: Saturday 12th May 11am The Animal Boogie to kick off Summertown Artweeks – dozens of children with animal masks or face paint, crowns and costumes will parade from The North Wall at 11am. Contact Francesca Shakespeare on 07976 822773 or Esther Browning on 07776 196967.