From Drawn to Tusk
It’s not often a public arts initiative garners so much win but with the Herd of Sheffield, organizers have truly hit the mark on multiple levels. From the get-go, the event raised the public’s awareness of elephants under siege in their native lands. Thinking more locally, all funds raised during the course of the program were directed to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital via the innovative Artfelt program.
Art Heals All Wounds
You might not think the look of a hospital’s interior walls and spaces has much – if any – effect on both patients and those who treat them… but you would be wrong. Studies have shown that bright, bold and cheerful artworks can have positive effects on people’s moods. Children, especially, seem to recover faster when subsumed in an environment tailored to address their hopes and fears. The benefits include providing visual and mental distraction before scheduled surgeries, while adding stimulation to extended stays in hospital wards.
Jumbo Jamboree
All good things must come to an end, and the brilliant Herd of Sheffield was no exception. Kudos to event organizers for allowing the thundering herd to go out with a bang… as in a bang for some bucks! Dubbed “The Herd of Sheffield Farewell Weekend”, the jumbo send-off was held on October 14 through 16 with all 58 of the painted elephant sculptures gathered together in one place for an en masse goodbye, followed four days later by a hugely successful auction.
Trunks for the Memories
The Herd of Sheffield Auction was held at the Crucible Theatre on October 20 and featured hundreds of elephant enthusiasts competing to bring home one or more of the 58 painted pachyderms. Bidding was spirited by all accounts, and at the end of the auction an incredible £410,600 (just over half a million dollars) had been raised for The Children’s Hospital Charity. How did the winners get their decorated elephants back home? They stuffed ’em in the trunk, of course!
Love African animals and want to read more about ’em? Check out Aussie Zoo Welcomes 11 African Wild Dog Pups!

