Elephant Parade Hamptons To Highlight Preservation Needs Next Year

The White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton now has a painted elephant sculpture greeting its summer guests.

Abstract expressionist Barbara Bilotta, a former Hamptons resident who now lives in Florida, painted the 123-pound sculpture to resemble her vibrant water pieces.

She said the painted sculpture is meant to represent an elephant’s memory of water and how the oldest female of the herd, known as the matriarch, is in charge of finding water.

“I’m known out here for my water pieces, so I figured I’d keep to that,” she explained. “When I researched them, that seems to be their major goal—they look for water, they hunt for water.”

The sculpture is one of approximately 80 elephant sculptures featured in next summer’s Elephant Parade Hamptons. Organized by Elephant Family–USA, this public art exhibition will showcase the talent of top international artists, architects and designers as their unique sculptures are displayed throughout the Hamptons.

The parade was originally scheduled for this summer, but it became much larger than the Elephant Family team anticipated. Elephant Family initially planned to have 50 elephants showcased over the span of one month, but next year’s event will likely include 80 sculptures over the span of three months. It will run from Memorial Day weekend to World Elephant Day on August 12, 2017.

The goal of Elephant Parade Hamptons is to highlight the need to preserve the habitats of the world’s endangered species, especially the Asian elephant. Elephant populations have dropped by 90 percent in the last 100 years, and Elephant Family is seeking to protect them by educating the public.

According to a press release, Elephant Family believes that the Hamptons is a great location to hold the event because the community prides itself on a dedication to environmental conservation.

Jill Baker, the artist manager of the Elephant Family, was searching for artistic talent from the Hamptons and fell in love with Ms. Bilotta’s paintings. Soon after, Ms. Baker invited her to paint the only elephant that is already on site for the parade.

“I am totally honored,” Ms. Bilotta said.“I got the White Room on board and they were really thrilled about it. They’re so good to me. They always spoil me.”

So far, there are five other local artists participating in the parade including Ellen Ball, Marissa Bridge, Claudia Baez, Ine Wijtvliet and Rima Mardoyan, as well as renowned artists from around the world.

Ms. Bilotta’s elephant, named “Unforgettable,” will be on display at the gallery until the parade’s launch party on August 12. The party is by invitation only and will act as a preface to the main event next summer. It will feature only a select few completed elephants and their artists at a private estate in Southampton.

There will also be a second, larger launch party next summer, and an auction and closing party to conclude the parade.