Highlighting and celebrating the most popular equine breed in the world, the American quarter horse, comes the annual America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale—hosted by the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas. “With over six million horses registered since 1940, a true representation of the American melting pot, the quarter horse is a blend of Chickasaw (descendants of Spanish barbs), English draft stock, thoroughbred and mustang breeds,” explains museum curator Emily Kelley.
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, home of America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale.
Kelley continues: “In addition to being quick, tough and hardy, the quarter horse is known for its gentle spirit, hard-working attitude, cow sense and intelligence. Considered the most versatile breed, quarter horses can be seen racing, working cattle ranches, performing in the show ring, and being a faithful partner in trail riding and equine assisted therapy.”
The show and sale begins with the opening reception at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 10. The free event is open to the public so attendees can engage with artists, enjoy live entertainment and cocktails, and it also serves as a first-look at impressive quarter horse artworks in a variety of mediums and styles, created by 31 prominent Western artists. Guests at the reception will also be able to purchase artworks in the fixed-price, luck-of-the-draw sale.
Harold H. Holden (1940-2023), Altitude & Attitude, bronze, 36 x 14 x 13 in.
Elizabeth Sage, a returning artist that will be in attendance at the reception, is proud to present her highly realistic oil piece Bred For It. “While this young red roan quarter horse is new to the branding scene in her training bosal, she seems at home surrounded by calves,” Sage shares. “Her calm eyes say it all—she was bred for this work!
“I feel the accurate detail honors our Western craftsmen of bosals, mecates and saddle making,” the artist continues. “[This piece] also highlights the quarter horse heritage of a working cattle horse with a calm demeanor and understanding of her job. I’ve been painting full time for over 15 years and feel I’ve finally found an ever-elusive balance between the detail I love to see and the traditionally loose, flowing brush strokes to evoke emotion, movement and textures of the countless layers of oils for depth and color…”
Elizabeth Sage, Bred For It, oil, 16 x 20 in.
The show’s opening reception will also name the winner of the Steel Dust Award. Last year’s winner was sculptor Bill Nebeker for his piece Waltzing Across Texas, “chosen not only for its artistic composition and overall design, but clarity of theme and originality in depicting the American quarter horse and Western lifestyle,” says Kelley.
Artist Don Weller is another past winner of the honored prize, and this year he will unveil his newest watercolor piece, His Turn Will Come,depicting a scene from a team roping rodeo event with a quarter horse. “In this painting, we see a contest that has gone on into the night,” Weller notes. “The artificial lighting has lit the cowboy, his white hat and horse dramatically. He is waiting his turn. He is focused, getting his thoughts in order. Soon he will take his rope down and put on his game face. Part of what I like about this piece is how the man and horse exemplify ‘calm and ready.’”
Don Weller, His Turn Will Come, watercolor, 17½ x 11 in.
After the opening night, remaining artworks will be available for purchase at the museum and online until October 12. Please visit the show website for additional information. —
America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale
August 10-October 12, 2024
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
2601 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79104 (806) 376-5181
www.aqha.com/museum
Powered by Froala Editor
