SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Love is in the air in the heart of Southampton Village, with a sculpture on display to spread hugs and kisses to everyone just in time for Valentine's Day.
Artist James Ding's philosophy that 'love is as important as air, food and water' is the theme behind the sculptor's work 'XOXO Hugs and Kisses', now on display at Southampton Arts Center at 25 Jobs Lane. for several weeks.
Southampton Village Mayor Bill Munger was happy to give the green light to the facility, he said. “Anytime we can encourage people to enjoy our beautiful downtown is an opportunity we can't afford to miss,” Manger said. “When James suggested this, I just had to say yes. What better way to celebrate our beautiful village than with a message of love?”
The sculpture stands 6 feet by 6 feet and will be illuminated at night as well as visible during the day for plenty of Instagram moments for residents and visitors celebrating love in all forms, village officials said.
Ding is an artist who taught industrial arts in Connecticut, where he discovered his love for screen printing. He moved to Southampton to start a screen printing business and found a new passion, as well as a new community that he loved, he said. He eventually sold his garment printing business and focused his energy on conceiving and creating large sculptures. Calling it his “new love in life,” Ding's art is autobiographical, with a message of love, he said.
His XOXO Hugs and Kisses sculpture is part of his “Inspired by Love” series and is designed to engage with the community, he said.
“I've been a working artist all my life. Over 40 years ago, I fell in love with Southampton,” he said. “I am very grateful that Mayor Bill Manger recognized that my 'XOXO Hugs and Kisses Sculpture' would be good for the community. I am grateful to be able to contribute and be a part of the village and community that I have loved from the beginning.”
Christina Strassfield, executive director of the Southampton Arts Center, praised the work. “We're delighted to share this Valentine and the sentiment behind it with everyone passing through Southampton Arts Centre,” he said.
