Southampton Village Plays Cupid On Valentine's Day With Love Sculpture

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Love is in the air in the heart of Southampton Village, with a sculpture on display meant to spread hugs and kisses to all just in time for Valentine's Day.

Artist James Ding’s philosophy that "love is just as important as air, food and water," is the theme behind the sculptor's "XOXO Hugs and Kisses" piece, which is now on display on the grounds of the Southampton Arts Center at 25 Jobs Lane for several weeks.

Southampton Village Mayor Bill Manger was happy to green-light the installation, he said. "Any time we can encourage folks to enjoy our beautiful downtown is an opportunity we cannot pass up," Manger said. "When James suggested this, I just had to say yes. What better way of celebrating our beautiful village than with a message of love?"

The sculpture stands 6-feet by 6-feet and will be lit up at night as well as viewable by day for what is hoped to be many Instagram-able 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 a love of screen printing. He moved to Southampton to start a silkscreen printing business and found a new passion, as well as a new community which he grew to love, he said. He eventually sold the apparel printing business and focused his energy into conceiving and creating large sculptures. Calling this 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 for community interaction, he said.

"I’ve been a working artist my whole life. Over 40 years ago, I fell in love with Southampton," he said. "I am very appreciative 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 part of the village and community that I have loved from the start."

Christina Strassfield, executive director of the Southampton Arts Center, lauded the work. "We are delighted to share this Valentine and the sentiment behind it with all who pass the Southampton Arts Center," she said.