As Maggie’s Penguin Parade continues to attract fans from across the globe, people are being invited to meet one of the art coordinators behind the project this weekend.
Suzanne Scott is a driving force behind the summer campaign – which aims to raise funds for and awareness of cancer charity Maggie’s.
Also known as Whimsical Lush, Suzanne designed the popular “Maggie & Fleur” penguin which is sponsored by Abertay and sits outside the University library.
Between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday, the Dundee artist will be on hand to answer questions about her inspiration for the designs and talk about her experiences of the parade trail so far.
Coming along for the ride will be “Wee Maggie” – a smaller scale baby penguin sponsored by Signature Signs, which uses the same design as the baby Maggie painted on Maggie & Fleur.
Suzanne said the event would be a first chance for members of the public to see the two penguins side by side.
“There were lots of different inspirations for the Maggie & Fleur concept, but one of the main themes is Maggie in her cosy jumper and how that represents the welcoming, inspiring, warm and safe space that Maggie’s Dundee provides to people when they need it the most,” she said.
“I’ve had so much fun with the parade this summer and the reaction that all of the artists have received has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Abertay students Naman Merchant and Rishikesh Lokare produced the bespoke “Fleur’s Wonderland” Augmented Reality smartphone app which works with Maggie & Fleur, bringing the design to life.
Those attending the “Meet the Artist” afternoon can try out the free app, which works on Apple and Android devices and has already been downloaded more than 1,000 times.
Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends.
The parade is an important fundraising initiative to support the centre in Dundee and an invitation to visitors and locals to explore the local area as part of a free day out for children and families.
For more information visit maggiespenguinparade.com
