More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
You won't have much difficulty spotting this lad in a crowd.
"Where's Elmer" - designed by Where's Wally artist Martin Handford - has been revealed as the first of more than 40 elephant sculptures set to join Elmer the Patchwork Elephant as part of a free public art installation in Maidstone this summer.
Dubbed Elmer's Big Heart of Kent Parade, the sculptures will raise awareness for the Heart of Kent Hospice, in Aylesford, which is working on the scheme in collaboration with event producers Wild in Art and children's books publisher Andersen Press.
The animal sculptures will be based on Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, the star of one of the most widely read childrens' books written by David McKee, and will be situated at key locations.
Organisers tweeted a photo of the new arrival yesterday, announcing: "We’re going to reveal the first Elmer sculpture that will be on the Parade this summer... drumroll... it’s... Where’s Elmer? sponsored by @WesterhillHomes."
They later posted a picture of the first two Elmers together, adding: "Friends that will be hanging out together this summer... A very special Where’s Elmer? by the artist Martin Handford and the iconic patchwork Elmer."
Last year, in a similar scheme, Wild in Art brought giant model 'Snowdogs' to Ashford, but the scheme is the first of its kind in Maidstone.
KM Media Group is the official media partner for Elmer's Big Heart of Kent Parade and other backers include Gullands solicitors, Westerhill Homes, Chartway Group, Scarbutts Printers, MCM Net, Clive Emson, Maidstone Borough Council, Gallagher Group and One Maidstone.
Maidstone artist Graham Clarke is the project's artistic patron.
