The Resorts of Dana Point will be hosting a rare herd of elephants as the international open air art exhibit makes its debut in the coastal city. The Elephant Parade: Welcome to America is the worlds largest exhibition of life-sized elephant statures that are painted, decorated, and displayed by local and international artists to generate world-wide attention and public awareness and support for the endangered Asian elephant.
The History
She needs your support. In fact, a whole species does. Asian elephants are on the verge of extinction, and the commitment for their preservation started with a special elephant known as Mosha. After stepping on an abandoned land mine, Mosha was fit with the world¹s first-ever prosthesis for a baby elephant. Her powerful strides inspired father and son duo, Mike and Marc Spits, to create Elephant Parade in 2006.
As a socially conscious business enterprise, Elephant Parade has since rapidly grown from a grassroots movement into a global crusade combining a powerful mix of corporate, celebrity, and community support. Through the sale of merchandise and auction of the original art pieces, the exhibition has raised over $6 million dollars to help support the world¹s most majestic land mammals and raise global awareness of issues affecting their dramatic plight.
The Parade
The art side: Elephant Parade is a FREE, city-wide, open-air art exhibition featuring dozens and dozens of life-size Asian elephant statues painted by renowned artists, dignitaries, and celebrities. It’s as simple as A-B-C. The more powerful the Art, the more successful the Business, and the more funds raised for the Charity.
The heart side: Proceeds from Elephant Parade‘s full-size exposition statue sales and an additional 20% of the Elephant Parade net profits are donated to The Asian Elephant Foundation (TAEF), an independent charity which financially supports and actively monitors projects for the welfare of the Asian elephants. Most of these projects are focused on supporting elephant hospitals and sanctuaries, developing solutions for the Œhuman-elephant conflict, and donating mobile elephant clinics to support local teams of specialized elephant doctors.
The Location
Surrounded by waves of inspiration — dazzling sunshine, seven miles of golden coastline, and the pageantry of the Pacific Ocean — Dana Point was hand-picked to host Elephant Parade‘s first-ever appearance in the United States after successful exhibitions in London, Milan, Amsterdam, and other global destinations. With a commitment to conservation and the preservation of the world’s most majestic mammals, including the variety of wales living seconds of the coastline, Dana Point is thrilled for the opportunity to welcome the artistic spectacle of culture and creativity to the shores of Southern California.
The Need
Scarce and exploited, this beloved animal is rapidly vanishing from our earth.
- Over the last 100 years, experts believe the Asian elephant habitat has shrunk by 95%, and its population has decreased by over 90%
- In Thailand, where the elephant is the national symbol, reports indicate there are just 5,000 of the mammals in existence, with only 2,000 of those surviving in the wild
- Statistics reveal that the Asian elephant population decreases by 3.5% annually, so scientists confirm that without proper action, the species will become extinct in just a few short decades
While landmasses are restricted by perimeters, the oceans connect us all. And as an oceanfront destination dedicated to the preservation of the planet’s creatures, The Resorts of Dana Point think beyond the boundaries of land and sea to raise awareness for the crusade of conservation across the globe. A collection of luxury resorts and a community of locals, leaders, and lovers focused on a common cause — commit to the protection of the Asian elephant and raise global awareness of issues affecting their dramatic plight.
Watch a video here.
WHAT: Elephant Parade: Welcome To America
WHEN: November 8 – 16, 2013 | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
WHERE: Lantern Bay Park | 25111 Park Lantern | Dana Point, CA 92629
DETAILS:
- Public Viewing Days — Friday 11/8 through Thursday 11/14. Over 3 dozen life-size baby elephants are on display as the artworks are available to see anytime during the day throughout the three-day public viewing.
- Community Goodbye — Friday 11/15 (12:00 – 6:00 pm). The host city will come together as local residents and community members— led by City Councilman Scott Schoeffel — say goodbye to the pretty pachyderms.
- Final Farewell — Saturday 11/16 (10:00 am – 6:00 pm). Celebrate with steadfast supporters with live music, artist interviews, exclusive merchandise sales and creative workshops throughout the day.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
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