Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Earlier this month, the Snoopy sculptures which adorned the streets of Caerphilly, Cardiff and Porthcawl, were auctioned – raising £150,000 for the Dogs Trust charity.

The sculpture which raised the most money was the sculpture called ‘Gwlad Gwlad’, which was designed and painted by 25-year-old artist Kayleigh Ashman, from Caerphilly.

Kayleigh’s design, which was sold for £7,000, depicted famous Welsh landmarks such as Caerphilly Castle, Castell Coch, Tenby, Big Pit and the Millennium Stadium to name a few.

In total, 38 Snoopy sculptures, which were designed and painted by a host of artists, appeared as part of ‘A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy’ – which ran between April and June this year.

Originally located on Queen Street in Cardiff, Kayleigh’s sculpture was vandalised.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Kayleigh said she spent 12 hours a day for three weeks painting the sculpture.

After it was vandalised, she spent a further two weeks repairing it, before it was moved to the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

As the bids came in for her sculpture at the auction, which was held at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff on June 21, Kayleigh said she felt “overwhelmed” and started crying.

“I never really believed in myself, but this has motivated me for the future.

“It’s my first art trail. Art is a hobby for me. There’s going to be a few more sculpture trails next year so I want to get involved.”

A former mental health support officer with a background in psychology, Kayleigh is currently a freelance artist and is set to go to the University of South Wales later this year to study art psychology.

“I’m really passionate about animals. When the trail was launched, I was invited to [Dogs Trust’s] new rehoming centre in Cardiff. I knew the money would be going to something worthwhile.

“When my sculpture was damaged, I was really gutted. The amount of hours and hard work I had put into it – my heart dropped. I can’t really explain it.

“I knew it would be safer in Cardiff Castle and it looked at home there.”

Kayleigh completed the trail herself, visiting sculptures across south Wales with her dad.

“It made me feel inspired seeing other artists’ ideas and techniques.

“I was in a group chat with the other artists and have made friends. Not all of the artists were able to get out and see their own sculptures, so we were sending them photos.

“I’ve met so many encouraging artists and spoken with people who have travelled from far – from places like Weymouth and Scotland – to see the sculptures on the trail.

“It was really great and I’m glad so much was raised.”