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<h1 class="story-title">ABOUT THE SCULPTURE</h1>
BLUEY
by Kerry Lemon
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BLUEY is an interactive stone sculpture for the Redway inspired by the Blue
Lagoon. At its centre is the black poplar - an iconic local species. Created through a
project connecting young people and care home residents, BLUEY celebrates tree
knowledge and shared stories. Rooted in the belief that naming helps us care, it
invites us to look more closely at the trees around us.
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: '*Continue to the Interactive Experience*'}
<h1 class="story-title">KERRY LEMON</h1>
*Artist as a Researcher*
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<span class="credit">Photo Credit - Josh Mowll</span>
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***Hello!*** I’m Kerry - an artist making sculptures inspired by nature. I’ve created 233 public artworks across the UK, rooted in local plants, animals and landscapes. Through careful research and sculptural storytelling, I invite people to notice the quiet magic of the natural world and consider how we care for it. Explore more of my work on my website. You can explore more of my sculptures on my website <a href="https://www.kerrylemon.co.uk/public-art-sculpture/" target="_blank">here.</a>
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[[Meet The Womxn Kerry is Mentoring for this Work -> AboutArtist4]]
[[What is Public Art? -> AboutArtist2]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">HOW TO DO A RUBBING</h1>
This activity is a fun, interactive way to get closer to the sculpture and produce a beautiful drawing at the end. It is a chance to get to know the patterns and geometry of the beautiful leaves.
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*What is a rubbing?*
A rubbing is a simple, tactile way to capture the texture of a surface by placing a
sheet of paper over it and gently rubbing with a crayon, pencil or graphite block. It
reveals the raised or engraved lines beneath – almost like a drawing made by touch.
*What you'll need*
To make a rubbing from BLUEY, you’ll just need a sheet of paper
and something soft but firm to rub with - I like oil pastels or wax crayons but any
pencil will also do.
[[Click here to see how to do a rubbing! -> Game2]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">MAIN MENU</h1>
This is an interactive experience to accompany the BLUEY sculpture. Click any of
the pathways to learn more about the sculpture, artist, and surrounding nature. This
experience allows us to show you all the content and material to enrich your
experience of the sculpture and its story.
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[[About Kerry ->AboutArtist1]]
[[Make Your Own Artwork Using the Sculpture ->Game1]]
[[Test Your Tree Knowledge ->Nature1]]
[[Learn About the Sculpture Inspiration -> SculptureProcess1]]
[[How have the Community been involved? ->CommunityProject1]]
<a href="https://kerrylemon.github.io/BLUEY/FINAL_BLUEY_BOOK.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for the wonderful tree identification guide.</a>
[[Credits -> Credits]]
{link to: 'AboutSculpture1', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT</h1>
***Overview***
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This cross generational project was designed to explore familiarity with local trees
and gather feedback from the community for my new permanent public sculpture.
Together, we spent time learning to name and recognise local tree species, based
on the belief that learning the names of common plants can help strengthen our
connection to the natural world.
[[Lakeview Lodge -> CommunityProject2]]
[[Youth Network -> CommunityProject3]]
[[Learn How to Identify Different Trees -> CommunityProject4]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">PUBLIC ART</h1>
*What is public art?*
Public art appears in shared spaces like parks, town centres or pavements, where everyone can enjoy it for free. It might be a sculpture, mural, digital work or temporary installation, often reflecting local history, people or ecology. In the UK, it's usually commissioned by councils, developers or arts organisations to help connect communities and enrich public spaces.
[[Meet The Womxn Kerry is Mentoring for this Work -> AboutArtist4]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
{link to: 'AboutArtist1', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">CREDITS</h1>
CLIENTS: Milton Keynes City Council
MENTEE: Iris Wright (@iris_wright_art)
OUTREACH TEAM: Ciara Callaghan (<a href="www.ciaracallaghan.com" target="_blank">Website</a>) and Alma
Solarte-Tobon - The Value of Trees (<a href="https://www.valueoftrees.co.uk" target="_blank">Website</a>)
QR TEAM: Tori Simpson and Harry Hosker
FABRICATORS: Scribble Stone Inspire (<a href="https://scribblestoneinspire.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>)
ADDITIONAL THANKS TO: Community Trees MK (<a href="https://communitytreesmk.org/" target="_blank">Website</a>),
Spotlight office, Delia Shephard at Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council,
Mand Vines, David Stokes, Jordan Garner, Milton Jeynes Natural History Society
(<a href="https://mknhs.org.uk/blue-lagoon/" target="_blank">Website</a>), Greg from Sub Aqua, Mariee Wymer, Kirsty
Forshaw
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Chris Henley (<a href="https://www.chris-henley.co.uk" target="_blank">Website</a>) and Dina T
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}<h1 class="story-title">KERRY'S MENTEE</h1>
Kerry voluntarily mentors an emerging artist (self identifying as femxle/neutral) local to every public art commission she undertakes. This is to leave a skills legacy in the area by supporting womxn to develop the confidence required to create monumental public realm sculpture. On this project her brilliant mentee was Iris Wright.
WOMXN / FEMXLE - The “X” signifies inclusion of trans and nonbinary womxn.
*Iris Wright* <a
href="https://www.instagram.com/iris_wright_art/" target="_blank">Instagram
</a>
[[What is Public Art? -> AboutArtist2]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
{link to: 'AboutArtist1', label: 'Previous page'}**HOW TO DO A RUBBING**
Ready to reveal some of nature's beauty? Follow these easy steps and become a rubbing expert in no time!
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🌳 Step 1: Find the Trees
Look closely at the sculpture—can you spot the raised outlines of trees etched into the surface, especially the black poplar? That’s your special rubbing zone! The trees are waiting to be brought to life.
📄 Step 2: Get Your Paper Ready
Take your thin piece of paper and gently place it flat over one of the tree designs on the sandblasted stone.
🖍️ Step 3: Grab a Crayon or Pencil
Use a crayon (with the wrapper off!) or a pencil. Hold it sideways so you’re rubbing with the flat edge—not the tip.
🤲 Step 4: Start Rubbing!
Gently rub over the paper in even strokes. Watch as the tree’s shape—perhaps the elegant branches of the black poplar—gradually emerges, like a hidden treasure revealing itself.
🎉 Step 5: Admire Your Artwork
Ta-da! You’ve created a beautiful tree rubbing. Each one will have its own unique details and texture—just like the trees themselves!
🌟 Bonus Tip
Try using different colored crayons for an extra splash of nature-inspired creativity, or layer your rubbings for a cool collage that tells the story of the trees.
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
{link to: 'Game1', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">LEARN ABOUT THE LOCAL TREES</h1>
[[Do a quiz! -> Nature2]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">DESIGNING BLUEY</h1>
Kerry loved designing BLUEY, an interactive stone sculpture for the new Redway,
inspired by the wildlife of the Blue Lagoon. It celebrates the black poplar tree and
my drawing of its silhouette is sandblasted into the stone. These carved lines are
perfect for rubbings, letting you create your own artwork. Made with Scribble Stone
Inspire, BLUEY keeps the boulder’s natural form - a place to sit, play, or pause in
nature.
[[Consulation with the Carehome & Local Youth -> SculptureProcess2]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">LAKEVIEW LODGE</h1>
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Day one took place at Lakeview Lodge Care Home, co-led with Alma Solarte-Tobón
as part of Branching Out, a national research project on the role of trees in
communities. Since many residents couldn’t leave the home, we shared memories,
identified tree cuttings from the Blue Lagoon, and pressed their leaves into air-dry
clay. I was moved by the group’s deep tree knowledge and reminded of the
importance of naming and passing on this wisdom.
<a href="https://www.valueoftrees.co.uk" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn about the ‘Branching Out
[[Youth Network -> CommunityProject3]]
[[Learn How to Identify Different Trees -> CommunityProject4]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
{link to: 'CommunityProject1', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
In this short quiz we will look closer at some tree species you might see locally!
***QUESTION 1***
Which Tree do you think this is?
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[[Weeping Willow -> MC1_1]]
[[Black Poplar -> MC1_2]]
[[Elder -> MC1_3]]
[[Hawthorn -> MC1_4]]
-
[[Next Question -> Nature3]]
{link to: 'Nature1', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
<span style="color: red;">***Not quite!***</span>
You guessed Weeping Willow
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{embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54591529869/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bluey_Weepingwillow"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54591529869_47368bd963.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Bluey_Weepingwillow"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'}
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Willows usually grow near water, and are known for their long, drooping branches and narrow leaves. The weeping willow isn’t native to the UK, but it’s a familiar sight in parks and riversides.
[[Try again -> Nature2]]
[[Next Question -> Nature3]]
<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
<span style="color: red;">***Close but nope!***</span>
You guessed Black Poplar
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{embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54591529879/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bluey_blackpoplar"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54591529879_74335cee9d.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Bluey_blackpoplar"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'}
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One of Britain’s rarest native trees, black poplars often grow in floodplains and lowland meadows. They can grow very tall and have rough bark and triangular leaves that shimmer in the wind.
[[Try again -> Nature2]]
[[Next Question -> Nature3]]
<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
<span style="color: green;">***That’s right!***</span>
**You guessed Elder Tree**
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The elder tree is common across the UK and easy to spot in summer, when it grows clusters of white flowers. These are often made into elderflower cordial. By autumn, the flowers turn into deep purple berries, which are loved by birds and sometimes made into syrup or wine.
[[Go again -> Nature2]]
[[Next Question -> Nature3]]<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
<span style="color: red;">***Not yet!***</span>
You guessed Hawthorn
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{embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54590456997/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bluey_hawthorn"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54590456997_65e0a8f9fa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Bluey_hawthorn"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'}
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Hawthorn trees are often found in hedgerows. Around May time, they bloom with white or pink flowers, followed by red berries in autumn called haws. They’re important for wildlife, especially birds and pollinators.
[[Try again -> Nature2]]
[[Next Question -> Nature3]]
<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
Hopefully you got question 2 correct! Don't forget - these are all butterflies that have been spotted around where you are! Try another question?
***QUESTION 2***
Do you know what kind of tree this is?
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[[Hawthron -> MC2_1]]
[[Oak -> MC2_2]]
[[Dogrose -> MC2_3]]
[[Black Poplar -> MC2_4]]
-
[[Finish Quiz -> Nature4]]
[[Previous page -> Nature2]]<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
<span style="color: red;">***INCORRECT***</span>
You guessed Hawthorn
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{embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54590456997/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bluey_hawthorn"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54590456997_65e0a8f9fa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Bluey_hawthorn"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'}
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Common in hedgerows and woodlands, hawthorn is a small tree with sharp thorns. Its white spring flowers are a familiar sight, and its red berries are a great food source for birds in autumn.
[[Try again -> Nature3]]
[[Move on -> Nature4]]<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
<span style="color: green;">***CORRECT***</span>
You guessed Oak
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</div>
Oak trees are among the most iconic and ecologically important trees in the UK. Their leaves have rounded lobes, and in autumn they drop acorns. Oaks can live for hundreds of years and support more wildlife than any other UK tree.
[[Go again! -> Nature3]]
[[Next Question -> Nature4]]<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
<span style="color: red;">***A good guess but try again!***</span>
You guessed Dogrose
<div style="text-align: center;">
{embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54591551853/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bluey_dogrose"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54591551853_188200dcc9.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Bluey_dogrose"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'}
</div>
The dogrose is a wild climbing plant, not a tree. It’s often found in hedgerows and produces pale pink flowers in early summer, followed by bright red hips in autumn that birds and small mammals feed on.
[[Try again -> Nature3]]
[[Move on -> Nature4]]<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
<span style="color: red;">***Fooled by the Black Poplar!***</span>
You guessed Black Poplar
<div style="text-align: center;">
{embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54591529879/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bluey_blackpoplar"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54591529879_74335cee9d.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Bluey_blackpoplar"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'}
</div>
Black poplars are tall, broad trees with a rough trunk and fluttering leaves. They're often found growing in damp ground.
[[Try again -> Nature3]]
[[Move on -> Nature4]]<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ</h1>
*Fantastic!* Hopefully you learned something you didn't know about these magnificent trees & their exquisite trees - and remember... all of these are local species so keep your eyes peeled!
If you’d like to see the tree identification guide made in collaboration with the local community, please download it here:
<a href="https://kerrylemon.github.io/BLUEY/FINAL_BLUEY_BOOK.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for the wonderful resource.</a>
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
[[Previous page -> Nature3]]<h1 class="story-title">DESIGNING BLUEY - LOCAL CONSULTATIONS</h1>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54506148448/in/album-72177720325964759" title="kl-murmur-group"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54506148448_edf78fd42c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-group"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Resident feedback during the workshops was vital in shaping the final sculpture -
especially in choosing which tree to depict. People were excited by the idea of a
tactile boulder that could be used for play, seating and rubbings, and asked for
clear, accessible information so everyone could enjoy and learn from it. I’m deeply
grateful to all who took part, your insights helped bring BLUEY to life!
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
[[Previous Page -> SculptureProcess1]] <h1 class="story-title">YOUTH NETWORK</h1>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
Day two was spent with Ciara Callaghan and local teenagers from the Youth
Network. After gathering bark, leaves and branches at the Blue Lagoon, we returned
to Spotlight to make rubbings and explore the folklore of native trees. The group
created hand-bound zines to capture their learning, which Ciara combined into a
downloadable tree ID guide. A printed copy was gifted to Lakeview Lodge, linking
both groups and leaving a lasting legacy.
[[Lakeview Lodge -> CommunityProject2]]
[[Learn How to Identify Different Trees -> CommunityProject4]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
{link to: 'CommunityProject1', label: 'Previous page'}<h1 class="story-title">TREE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE</h1>
If you’d like to see the guide made in collaboration with the local community, please download it here:
<a href="https://kerrylemon.github.io/BLUEY/FINAL_BLUEY_BOOK.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for the wonderful resource.</a>
[[Lakeview Lodge -> CommunityProject2]]
[[Youth Network -> CommunityProject3]]
{link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}
[[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]
{link to: 'CommunityProject1', label: 'Previous page'}