A Journey of Art and Soul for the Earth

by Rama the Elephant and Calley O'Neill

HOW ON EARTH DID THE RAMA EXHIBITION COME TO BE?

Rama’s greatest gifts did not begin to be revealed until 5 years ago.  While watching his children play with paint, keeper Jeb Barsh got the idea to train Rama to paint.  Rama showed exceptional interest in spray and brush painting and these skills have become Rama’s opportunity to thrive.

People love him.  He amazes children.  His paintings sell before they have time to dry.  Rama has generated more than $100,000 in sales thus far.  His art shows are sell-outs and his list of commissions keeps growing.

In the summer of 2006, while on vacation with her teenaged children, Calley was drawn to visit Portland because of its reputation as a model green city.  On a visit to the Oregon Zoo, they arrived at the elephant barn at the exact moment when Rama began his Sunday painting demonstration.  As soon as Rama started painting, Calley knew in her bones that she had to work with him.

RAMA: AMBASSADOR FOR THE ENDANGERED ONES

Speaking Passionately on Behalf of Those who Cannot Speak

After Rama’s show, Calley offered an on-the-spot proposal to create a collaborative touring exhibition to help build a life support system for imperiled species through art.  A year later, Calley arrived at the elephant barn as a project volunteer.  Thus began the wildest and most meaningful creative experience of her life.  With the keepers’ support, Rama, Jeb and Calley paint together every summer, and Calley works on the canvases year round. 

"It came through me as a vision that I felt in every cell,

and it was clear that I had to follow the vision, no matter what."