The Washington Thoroughbred Foundation, in conjunction with the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and Emerald Downs, was once again pleased to present the Equine Art Show, which took place July 14-16 on the track level at Emerald Downs.
The purpose of the show is to encourage equine artists and to support the arts, in general, as an integral part of all horse-related sports. The annual art show has garnered recognition since its inception in 1980 at the WTBOA Pavilion at Longacres. In 2017, it celebrates its 18th year of continued growth and success at Emerald Downs.
“‘The horse and a whole lot more’ best describes the Emerald Downs Equine Art Show,” reflected art show committee member Karen Saxon. “I look forward to it each year, as I am privileged to be a volunteer taking in the art for the show. From carved and hand-painted fragile gourds to wonderfully hefty metal sculpture, photography, painting and drawing in all mediums, there is something for everyone.
“Perhaps the icing on the cake is the art submitted by children – pure pleasure!
“Kudos to all the fine artists who submit their art and talent for our pleasure and purchase. See you there in 2018. It’s the place to be and to spend your dollars for a good cause.”
The show, judged by a respected panel of Northwest artists and/or other knowledgeable professionals, is open to all ages, including children, pre-teen, intermediate and adult divisions. It offers over $7,000 in prize money, $750 of which is dedicated to youth categories.
This year’s panel of judges was comprised of Thoroughbred owner/breeder and artist Petra Lewin; writer, artist, metalsmith and carver Philip Red Eagle; and artist and Mountlake Terrace Arts Commission chairman Judy Ryan.
The coveted Best in Show Award, sponsored by former Emerald Downs’ President Ron Crockett and his wife Wanda, and named in memory of Ron’s mother Angie, was awarded to Melissa Weinman for her exquisitely-crafted piece entitled “Journey: Carried.”
The Morrie and Joan Alhadeff Purchase Award was shared between two pieces this year – “Training on a Fall Morning,” by Rosalie Thun, and intermediate entrant Vivian McMeekin’s “Geometric Horse.” The purchase awards become permanent additions to the Alhadeff Purchase Award collection on display at Emerald Downs.
The Pat Hallowell Memorial Publication Award, featured on the cover of this magazine, went to well-known equine artist Erica Nordean for her striking piece entitled “Blind Faith.”
“Racing to the Rim,” an intricately painted and inlaid gourd by Diane Frederick, was selected as the Equine Art Purse Trophy Purchase Award and will have the distinction of being presented to the winning owners of next year’s Equine Art Purse, held on the Sunday of Equine Art Show weekend.
The art show is presented under the auspices of the Washington Thoroughbred Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and as such, all sponsorships and/or other donations made to the art show are tax-deductible. All exhibited artwork is offered for sale and a portion of the proceeds supports the many beneficent programs that are funded by the Washington Thoroughbred Foundation.
To see the winning pieces or for more information, please visit thoroughbredfoundation.org.
