Dan's Papers - August 22, 2008 - Horse Art, in and around the Classic

Equestrian art has been in demand throughout the centuries, with not just the horse set but with numerous people who love horses and the equestrian lifestyle. From portraits of horses and their riders, to paintings and photographs of the tack rooms, stables, and the action in the rings - equestrian art is timeless.

Each year, at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, a number of vendors sell this art in the popular "Boutique" section of the show, under little tents which circle a large segment of the property alongside the riding action. Many of the same equestrian art dealers come each year, and each year there are also some new additions.

"People love to browse through this art of beautiful horses and their riders, in full riding regalia," said Marty Bauman, a spokesman for the Hampton Classic Horse Show, which is in its 33rd year. He said this year's show, which opens on August 24 and runs for a week of riding and social activities, will have these wonderful equestrian boutiques back once again.

"We have always honored the horses in artwork here, and a case in point was the huge bronze sculpture of a horse that we displayed on the grounds in 2003, which was done by Donna Karan's late husband, artist Steve Weiss," he said. "Another example was the many years of horse art done by local artist Bonni Miller, of Montauk, who came here each day of many shows, and sat by the sidelines sketching the horses, their riders, and the tack rooms, which she made available as portraits, to the horse owners."

He said in keeping with the desire for good horse art to take home from the Classic, each year, judges choose, from numerous submissions, a Hampton Classic Poster of art from the show. This year's poster, depicting horses and their riders by a fence, is by Westhampton artist Mickey Paraskevas.

This year, there will be horse art available to the public by such noted companies as Donna B./Running Wind Art, of Idaho, with art and sculptures; Hamptonsartist.com, Ltd., with a display and sale of distinctive style artwork, including equestrian drawings done at the Classic; Jan Lukens Portraits, which are family and equestrian portraits, of CT; Petography, Inc., fine art photography of pets and people, of NY; Jocelyn Sandor Fine Animal Portraits, custom portraits of horses, dogs and a complete line of greeting cards, of CT; Calamuso Portraits - horse, canine and other portraits, of Lake Ronkonkoma; Event Specialists, Inc., equestrian photographers viewing stations for photo selection and printing, of NC; James Leslie Parker Photography - horse photography of West Palm Beach, FL; and Shawn McMillen Photography, equestrian photography of KY.

Horse lovers should also check out an exhibit that starts this Saturday, August 23, at Sylvester & Co. at Home's Amagansett store, called, "Horse Show by Bob Tabor." This is about 20 pieces of Tabor's well-known horse portrait photography. He will be at a reception on August 23, from 5-8 p.m., and this exhibit runs through September 24.

"These are unique and beautiful portraits, and are a must-see for any horse lovers," said Tim Kofahl, director of sales and marketing for Sylvester & Co. at Home.

Kofahl commented on why equestrian art is so popular, "because the beauty of the horse and the romance of riding in the country, riding is a lifestyle that many people either have or aspire to."

For more information on the upcoming boutiques for shopping, check out www.hamptonclassic.com.