Since April, more than a dozen life-sized fiberglass horses have been popping up in the North Carolina towns of Tryon, Columbus, Saluda, and Landrum in South Carolina. These colorfully painted works of art are part of a public art project launched a year ago called Art of the Horse, hosted by nonprofit organization Our Carolina Foothills. By the time the Saluda Arts Festival takes place on May 21, all 16 horses will have been installed and many artists will be available at the event to discuss the art behind their horse. “This period of public interaction allows us to reach a large group of visitors and community members who may not otherwise engage in the arts,” says Mindy Wiener, director of Our Carolina Foothills. Artist Christine Mariotti painted a horse for the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club that features many of their events, such as jumping competitions and steeplechase. It will be unveiled May 6–7 at the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Calcutta gala event. Christine says, “It displays the Blue Ridge Mountains with the events, awards, and symbols placed around the rest of the horse body.” The horses will remain at sponsoring locations— businesses, organizations, and governmental establishments— until August 13 when they will be displayed en masse for all to see during the Tryon International Equestrian Center’s Saturday Night Lights. They will remain on display together for a week for pre-auction viewing. On August 19 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, guests will have an opportunity to purchase a horse at the auction gala.
For more information, visit ourcarolinafoothills.com.
