Methodist Giraffes in Cambridge

Art can play a role in expressing and exploring core Methodist values, as well as fostering spiritual reflection and connection.

Wild in Art comes to Cambridge with a herd of giraffes, representing the city’s diversity and culture and Castle Street Methodist Church is on the map too with its very own mini-giraffe!

From hymns to visual art – such as a sculpture – the Methodist tradition has a rich history of incorporating artistic expression into worship and outreach. By embracing creativity and collaboration, we can continue to make a meaningful contribution to the wider Church and the world around us.

This towering sculpture trail will be bringing together communities from all corners of the city, encouraging them to look at the spectacular art on offer – all while supporting Break, a charity working across East Anglia to pave the way for a brighter future for children and young people who have experienced the care system.

The giraffe has been designed and decorated by members of the church incorporating the various messages, bible studies, and the Methodist heritage that reflects the congregation and their faith. From pictures of bread and wine to Jesus as the good shepherd, the array of window panes capture the essence of Castle Street Methodist Church and our commitment to inclusion. Not forgetting a little stained glass depiction of John Wesley!

Kirk with Sasha the Giraffe and Revd Jenny Pathmarajah

'Giraffe handler' and project artist, Kirk, commented, "Being part of an art trail around Cambridge can provide a wonderful opportunity to engage with the wider community and showcase the church’s creative side. We are blessed with a rich and diverse pool of talent in this circuit and we are in the unique position to have such a strong Junior Church too. Art is a universal language that brings people together and inspires them in new ways and we are excited about the project ahead of us.

"As our giraffe is based on stained glass windows which emit light and tell stories, our theme is let love shine out. There was only one name we could possibly choose for our window clad giraffe - Sasha Windows!"

Sasha is on display alongside over 90 other giraffe statues - both big and small - and runs until 2 June 2024 throughout Cambridge.

More info can be found at: https://castlestreet.org.uk