A TALENTED Bromsgrove illustrator has used her creative skills to secure one of the hottest artistic tickets in the Midlands this summer, by decorating a popular bear attraction.

Cathy Simpson, from Catshill, has seen her design become part of The Big Sleuth –the public art initiative which is proving a major attraction across Birmingham and surrounding areas.

Cathy’s Picnic Time for Teddy Bears design is one of 100 giant bear sculptures which are forming a trail in streets, parks and open spaces across the West Midlands.

Her design was picked out from hundreds of artists by sponsors the West Brom building society, and is on show outside Central Sixth in West Bromwich town centre.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be part of The Big Sleuth because it is genuinely one of the best projects you can be involved in as an artist.

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

(TALENTED: Catshill's Cathy Simpson with her specially designed bear for The Big Sleuth art initiative)

“You come up with a design for the showcase along with lots of other artists and its then down to whether one of the sponsors takes a shine to your idea. Thankfully, the West Brom were happy for me to bring my idea to life.

“It took me between 60 and 70 hours to complete the work but the idea came to me very quickly. I was a big fan of the Teddy Bear’s Picnic song when I was younger and when I heard that bears were the choice of animal for this year’s trail, it was an obvious link.

“I’ve been down to see Picnic Time for Teddy Bears in its new home and it gives me such a warm feeling to see people taking an interest and having pictures and selfies.”

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

(ATTRACTION: Cathy's bear has proved a hit with youngsters and visitors)

The art initiative, which runs until mid-September, is designed to raise money for Birmingham’s Children Hospital.

Mark Adams, manager of the West Brom’s Bromgrove branch on High Street, added: “It’s a truly fantastic creation and we are delighted to have a Bromsgrove link to an event which is capturing the imagination of people across the entire Midlands area.”