Harrison Sharpe (M 2016) and Katie Sharpe (F 2016, Staff-Current), recently designed and painted one of the Shaun the Sheep sculptures for the Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent art trail. The trail saw over 50 individually painted large Shaun the Sheep sculptures placed around the parks, town centre and river walks in Maidstone and the surrounding areas from 29 June – 1 September.

The art trail was a partnership between Heart of Kent Hospice, Wild in Art, the leading producer nationally and globally of these spectacular art events, and Aardman, the world-famous, award-winning studio based in Bristol, and creator of the cheeky and lovable character Shaun the Sheep.

After watching the outstanding performance of England in the Euros 2022, Harrison and Katie’s design was inspired by the local legend, Alessia Russo, who not only secured victory with the England team in the Euros 2022 but also proved pivotal in the 2023 World Cup. Alessia was born and raised in Maidstone, started her football career at Bearsted Football Club and is now an inspiration to young footballers everywhere. To recognise and celebrate her achievements, Harrison and Katie submitted a design for a sculpture that reflects her inspiring story.

One Maidstone Business Improvement District, voted for and sponsored Harrison & Katie’s design allowing their idea to come to fruition. Following the completion of their sculpture painting, Harrison and Katie travelled to meet Alessia near the Arsenal training ground where she was able to view the sculpture and add her signature to it. On 26 September, all of the Shaun the Sheep sculptures were auctioned to raise funds for Heart of Kent Hospice. Harrison and Katie were thrilled when their sculpture raised £6,750 such an important charity.