August 2-October 16, 2021 | American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum | Amarillo, TX

A Calming Deep Breath

America’s Horse in Art celebrates 13 years with its signature art sale and exhibition in Amarillo, Texas.

This year marks the 13th annual event for America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale, put on by the American Quarter Horse Association, but this will be the first time the event will combine both virtual and in-person happenings. In addition, artist Kathryn Leitner of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, will be honored as the signature artist, with a featured piece that serves as the visual representation of the show. “After a year like 2020,” says Chris Sitz, interim chief foundation officer, “celebrating beautiful, Western art is a calming deep breath.”American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

Sitz and show organizers feel hopeful in seeing new buyers at this year’s show. “We have a good variety of sculpture and art for the wall to offer buyers and enthusiasts,” Sitz furthers. “The American Quarter Horse is the world’s most versatile horse and this year’s show exemplifies that diversity.”

On August 2, there will be an online preview of all available pieces, followed by an in-person sale on Saturday, August 14. Included in the sale will be many returning artists such as Earl Kuhn, Mary Ross Buchholz and Wayne Baize, along with new additions such as Heather Burton, Dave Gustlin and Robyn Cook. Kathryn Leitner, Jingling the Wagon Horses, colored pencil on sanded paper, 25 x 43”

Leitner, this year’s signature artist, was chosen by the America’s Horse in Art Selection Committee and was selected for her body of work, contributions to the Western art world and her embodiment of the American Quarter Horse Association lifestyle. She photographs ranch families and also rides and competes on her American quarter horse mare. Her inspiration originates from spending time on her grandparent’s ranch in Montana as a child.

“…I am always truly humbled by how far I’ve been led,” says Leitner. “So many times, the opportunities that I’ve had have far exceeded any of my wildest childhood dreams. There has been a lot of hard work that has gone into my choice to pursue my art but this would be one of those moments, when I am truly grateful for the blessings I have received along the way. Being the signature artist for this year’s show is definitely one of those blessings.”Heather Burton, Resolute, oil on board, 32 x 24”

Wayne Baize, Playing Catch Up, oil, 18 x 24”

Leitner will share three of her alluring creations for the show, with her piece Jingling the Wagon Horses as the main attraction. “My inspiration comes from Western life, mainly ranching and, of course, the American quarter horses,” Leitner explains. “Jingling the Wagon Horses and No Slack No Quit are both created from reference material gathered on one of my trips to the Tongue River Ranch near Paduka, Texas. Hattie, was created from photos I took of my young mare.”

Gathering reference materials and being inspired by her subject are the first steps to any of Leitner’s work. “I believe that initial excitement and what draws me to creating that particular piece should translate to the viewer,” Leitner states. “I had a lot of photos from the scene for Jingling the Wagon Horse and put them together to share the experience of seeing them all come in through the gate for the noon change of horses. It was a beautiful scene.”Jan Mapes, Tribute, bronze, ed. 1 of 15, 26 x 36 x 18”

Leitner works in the style of realism, and believes it works for her in sharing the details of each scene with the viewer. “There is a story to tell and whether the viewer is a lifelong horseman, rancher or someone seeing this scene for the first time, I want them to be where I was,” she explains. “I want to tell the story of these people and horses in a way that either stirs up memories, or educates and inspires people about the Western life and our beautiful horses.”

Any remaining pieces from the sale will remain on view and available for purchase through October 16. —

America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale
August 2-October 16, 2021
Online Preview, August 2
In-Person Auction, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Remaining pieces on view through Oct. 16
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, 2601 E. I-40, Amarillo, TX 79104
(806) 376-5181, www.aqha.com