Organisers of a new sculpture trail set to launch in Hornsea next year have announced some of the leading Yorkshire-based artists who will be taking part.
The trail – named Starfish Galaxy – will feature large, wall-mounted starfish sculptures displayed on buildings throughout the town. Each sculpture will be individually designed by a selected artist and sponsored by a local business.
Organised by the Hornsea Collective, the trail aims to promote tourism, encourage community collaboration and celebrate the East Yorkshire coastline through accessible public art.
Hornsea-based artist Tom Everard is one of the creatives set to design a sculpture. His recent work focuses on sea life and plastic pollution, using found and donated bottle tops to create striking pieces. He said: “I thought this played to my strengths as an artist and is a great platform to push the message of sustainability and reducing our plastic consumption to a wider audience.”
Joining him is muralist Katy Cobb, known as Wall Things Bright and Beautiful, who has previously painted sculptures for Puffins Galore and the forthcoming Mischief of Rats trail in Hull. “Sculpture trails offer a free, outdoor, screen-free activity for families,” she said. “This trail will encourage visitors into the town to visit all Hornsea’s great independent businesses, with a valuable message about caring for our coastal habitat.”
Beverley-based Emma Garness, a muralist involved in community art projects across the region, also praised the power of sculpture trails to bring people together. She said: “These trails help creatives stretch our skills to help bring awareness, inspire, and raise funds for local charities – win-win.”
Helen Rowland, an abstract landscape painter from Leven, will use her love of the sea and sky to inspire her design. She said: “Walking on the beach in Hornsea at sunrise is a reset, an energising and spiritual experience full of positive energy that I want to share with residents and visitors to the trail.”
Hornsea artist Judy Flanagan said she was drawn to the community focus and long-term vision of the trail, having previously been involved in the Knights of Lincoln sculpture project. “Art has the power to connect people to places in a meaningful way. It’s a privilege to be part of something that will not only brighten the community but also help put Hornsea on the map.”
The sculptures will be painted between August and October and installed around the town later this year ahead of the trail’s launch in January 2026. Each piece will feature an information panel highlighting the artist and sponsor, with an accompanying booklet available from local outlets.
The Hornsea Collective, led by founder Sher King, is still seeking further sponsors and donations to help bring the trail to life. For more information or to get involved, email [email protected] or call 07702 632038 or 07790 004320.