Last night in Singapore a very special event was held amidst the crazy fighting of words and testosterone generated from the upcoming General Election. A friendlier and more calming event was held in the middle of Orchard Road. The Elephant Parade Singapore 2011 was inaugurated at the Gallery at the Grand Hyatt hotel.
The event was officially launched by Professor Tommy Koh, Patron of the Elephant Parade and Claire Chiang, Chairman of Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Ambassador of Elephant Parade, together with the founders of the Elephant Parade, Mr Marc and Mike Spits.
The Elephant Parade is the largest open air art exhibition of decorated life sized elephant statues. Famous and upcoming artists contribute to the conservation of Asian elephants and the public awareness of their life threatening situation. In the past 100 years Asian elephant populations have plummeted from 250,000 to 25,000.
Imagine having more than 100 elephants lining up on the streets of Orchard Road in Singapore this coming November.
Singapore is the first country to be part of the Asia tour. The exhibition in Singapore will be held along the streets of Orchard Road from the 11th November 2011. More than 100 international and Singapore artists and celebrities will be part of this event. Famous Singapore artists such as, Francis Ng, Steve Lawler, Simond Chew, Michael Ng, Rosihan Dahim and Sarkasi Said will be decorating life sized fiberglass baby elephants. Well-know Asian celebrities such as, Bobby Chinn, Ashley Isham, Shabnam Melwani and Tina Tan Leo will also be part of this event.
Singapore multiple award winning artist, Francis Ng (center) with the founders of the Elephant Parade, Mr Marc Spits (left) and Mr Mike Spits (right)
After the parade, the decorated elephants sculptures will be auctioned off by Sothebys Auction in order to raise funds for The Asian Elephant Foundation. The Asian Elephant Foundation is an independent charity that supports various projects throughout Asia, varying from elephants hospitals to the lease of land, where elephants have enough space to mate and live in peace.
So come this 11th November, get to see more than 100 elephant sculptures parading along Orchard Road and parks in Singapore. And if you would like to help contribute to the cause, you can also own your very own mini replicas from one of your favorite artist or celebrity at TANGS Gallery Stores.
So watch out for them as the elephants are coming to Singapore!
Netherland, Singapore based artist, Frances Alleblas working her magic on her elephant
Singapore artist, Michael Mindflyer and his team adding a touch of Singapore to his elephant
Thailand artist, Attasit Aniwactchon with his finished elephant Nat Posila and the Orangephant’s creation. He will be creating one more with a touch of Singapore’s favorite fruits
The legend, Singapore artist, Mr Sarkasi Said and his work in progress elephant
