Featuring nearly 30 renowned Western artists and roughly 70 works, the 2023 America’s Horse in Art Show & Salebegins August 12 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas. This invitation-only show includes oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, charcoal, bronze and other media in artworks depicting the American quarter horse lifestyle. Notable participating artists include Wayne Baize, Mikel Donahue, Mary Ross Buchholz, John Fawcett, Harold Holden, Jan Mapes, Bill Nebeker, Kathryn Leitner, Jack Sorenson, Edgar Sotelo and others.
Wayne Baize, Signs of Spring, oil, 18 x 24”
“The American quarter horse’s significance is tied to the history of the American people and reflects adaptation to the environment and the influences of various cultures,” says museum director John Burroughs. “The breed can be traced back to Colonial America when settlers in the 1600s bred horses from England, Ireland and Scotland with horses from the Chickasaw tribe. Those Chickasaw horses were descended from the Spanish barb horses introduced by early Spanish explorers. The American quarter horse became the first breed of horse native to North America,” Burroughs continues. “With the introduction of thoroughbred blood lines, the breed became known for intelligence and versatility in work, racing and recreation, and moved across the nation as settlers migrated west. With explosive speed over a quarter mile unmatched by other horses, the breed gained its name.”
Shannon Lawlor, Been a Long Day, acrylic on Baltic birch, 32 x 24”
A reception will be held on opening day at 6:30 p.m., when attendees will have the chance to meet some of the participating artists, and the first opportunity to view and purchase art in a ballot-style auction. In addition to live entertainment, the Steel Dust Award, named after the legendary 19th-century race horse, will be announced. The award honors the artistic merit of one art piece that showcases the Western lifestyle and the role of the American quarter horse.
Don Weller, Tommy at El Cid , watercolor, 13 x 17”
America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale is an annual fundraising event benefiting the educational programs of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. Proceeds from the art show help support many programs including the annual field trip, Versatility In Art, which allows local youth to gain first-hand knowledge and expertise from artists.
Harold Holden, Wagon Boss, bronze, ed. of 18, 17 x 7 x 4”
“This signature event showcases America’s most popular horse breed and allows art enthusiasts and museum visitors of all ages to experience one-of-a-kind Western art depicting the American quarter horse at its finest,” says Burroughs.
An online preview of the show is available at aqha.com/artshow. After opening night, remaining art will be on display at the museum and available for purchase online through October 14. —
America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale
August 12-October 14, 2023; reception: 6:30 p.m., August 12
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
2601 E. Interstate Drive, Amarillo, TX 79104 (806) 376-5181, www.aqha.com
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