Behold An Elephant in the Room. A nine and a half foot tall plaster mammoth greets you. It stands proudly in the front yard of a house on Yarmouth Road. This isn’t just any elephant. This is a work of art a quirky masterpiece.
An Elephant in the Room is more than just a sculpture. It’s a student thesis project from 1999. Matt Donovan created it at the Ontario College of Art and Design. He used fiberglass chicken wire and plywood. He then covered it all in spray foam. The original design included bronze red herrings and concrete black sheep. Sadly most of those supporting characters are gone.
The elephant’s journey is as captivating as the sculpture itself. After its creation it resided in Donovan’s parents’ basement. Then in 2003 it found a new home. James Lawson a friend of Donovan’s gladly accepted it. He saw the humour in placing a life-sized elephant in his front yard. He jokingly calls himself the elephant keeper.
An Elephant in the Room has become a local landmark. Drivers stop daily to admire it. People frequently visit Lawson’s front door. It has even been featured in exhibitions celebrating Toronto’s unusual homes. The sculpture has brought joy and amusement to many people. It’s a testament to the power of art. Art can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. It can spark conversation and laughter. It can even make people want to stop and take a picture.
An Elephant in the Room stands as a symbol of creative expression. A reminder that art can exist anywhere. It can even reside in a front yard. It’s a quirky tribute to the unexpected beauty found in everyday life. So take a moment to appreciate An Elephant in the Room. Let it fill you with its gentle presence and whimsical charm. Consider how it has transformed a typical suburban home into a unique and memorable destination.