Lumidogs

Saturday 23 August saw the first of four artist led Lumidogs workshops at Memorial Park, Fleetwood. Of course I had to go along with Molly, my Border Terrier pupster, and find out more. Is there a more perfect way to spend a sunny Bank Holiday afternoon than with a group of fellow dog enthusiasts AND tinkering with lights?

During my efforts to fashion a Molly-Tron outfit by sewing a string of multi coloured LEDs onto a dog jacket whilst Molly tried to entice the other dogs into a game of wrestling mayhem, I had a chat to light artist Jo Berry who was leading Saturday’s workshop. Jo Berry is a Derbyshire-based artist with work in the V&A and Arts Council England collections.  She is also the artist responsible for the Fluted Pylons Illuminations installation sited by the Metropole Hotel, Blackpool Promenade. Jo will be unveiling her latest piece, ‘Brain Container’, for Blackpool Illuminations next month.

Jo said, “I’ve never worked on a project with dogs before, it’s completely bonkers and completely Blackpool! We’ve has a great response to today’s workshop, I’m surprised at how well behaves all the dogs have been.” I glanced over at Molly who had managed to tangle herself up with a very large and patient looking Poodle.  Jo continued, “‘There have been some very imaginative responses by participants with what they are creating for their dogs: a shark costume, a coat decorated in lit Barbie doll heads, a Hawaiian theme and a gardening costume. I can’t wait to see all the finished outfits at the doggy fashion parade on 26 September.”

I caught up with LeftCoast Artistic Director Michael Trainor who had put this series of workshops together.  He said, “I’m most pleased that within five minutes of the workshop starting, people were just coming up with completely new and highly inventive ideas of their own.”

Future workshop dates:

Saturday 30 August, 1-4pm at Stanley Park Cafe

Saturday 13 September 1-4pm at Stanley Park Cafe

Saturday 20 September 12-6pm at Jubilee Gardens (Blackpool Promenade)

All participants and their pooches are invited to show off their creations in a doggy fashion show on 26 September, 8pm at Jubilee Gardens.

Further information and access to the booking form can be found on the LeftCoast site.