Shrewsbury Arts Trail returns this summer with a powerful focus on the environment - and leading the impressive roster of artists is internationally acclaimed sculptor Halima Cassell MBE, whose recent shortlisting to design the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial in St James’s Park has made headlines across the UK.

Cassell, one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary sculptors, will present two major works as part of the town-wide sculpture trail and exhibitions running from 1 July - 31 August.

Her monumental Memento Mori — a striking 8-foot solid iron sculpture — will be displayed outside Shrewsbury Castle, while her evocative clay installation Virtues of Unity will feature in the ‘Inspirational Exhibition’ at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery.

The Lancashire-born, Shropshire-based artist, known for her intricate geometric forms and symbolic works, has said she is “very excited” to be part of the trail: “As a local artist, it’s nice to get involved in local events, and Shrewsbury Arts Trail is so important in opening the creative world to a wider audience,” Cassell explains.

“Things like this shouldn’t happen just in major cities. It’s important to have a lot of culture and modern art in smaller towns too.”

Halima’s Virtues of Unity, described as “a metaphor of the human condition,” is made from clays sourced from around the world, offering a message of unity and shared humanity. “The more we can see and understand that we are really very much the same, hopefully there won’t be so much division and prejudice,” she says.

“We should appreciate our subtle differences and remind ourselves of the connection we have.”

Cassell is joined by other high-profile sculptors including Andrew Logan MBE, returning after his 2022 showstopper Cosmic Egg, and Jacob Chandler, a Shrewsbury-born artist with international acclaim.

Logan’s new piece Black Rose will rise dramatically from the pond in The Dingle, taking a more reflective turn from his usual vibrant work. Originally commissioned in 1973 for the iconic BIBA store in Kensington, the sculpture has been described by Logan as “a water feature designed to be seen in nature.”

Jacob Chandler, who created the widely recognised One Giant Leap for Humankindsculpture at Birmingham New Street Station, will debut a new gold-plated bronze work titled IN HOC SIGNO, developed in collaboration with Byrga Geniht. While details remain under wraps, Chandler describes the piece as “highly symbolic,” inspired by Roman history and Shropshire’s scholarly past.

The trail also features works by Laura Ford, President of the Royal Society of Sculptors. Her charming yet unsettling Nature Girls bronze figures — Conifer Girl, Bush Girl, and Stump Girl— will inhabit the café courtyard at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, while her Bedtime Boysculpture appears in the Tudor Gallery.

Australian land artist James Tapscott adds an international edge with his photographs of 500,000-year-old Antarctic ice core samples, using cross-polarised photography to reveal their natural, ethereal beauty.

The Arts Trail continues to attract global attention, having previously featured works by Salvador Dalí, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Tracey Emin, and David Hockney.

Founder Jess Richards says this year’s environment-focused trail, filled with floral displays and exhibitions, is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious yet.

The Arts Trail wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable support and connections of Jonathan Soden from The Soden Collection. Public art installations, exhibitions, and workshops will span the town throughout the summer. Highlights include the Inspirational Exhibition at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery featuring pieces by Picasso, Chagall, Hockney, and Basquiat, alongside an Open Exhibition at The Parade Shops and a series of workshops at the new Shrewsbury Arts & Crafts Community Gallery.

As a tribute to Shrewsbury reaching the RHS Britain in Bloom finals, local schoolchildren’s flower-themed flags will be displayed across the high street. Filmmaker Aaron Child will also debut a mini-documentary on the trail this summer. Despite the growing reputation, Richards notes that funding remains a challenge.

“So far, we’ve raised just £1,000 of the £6,000 we hoped for through public donations. We’d be grateful for any support to help make this happen.” To donate or get involved, visit: edge.justgiving.com