2nd Annual Our Horses, Our Art
Equestrian News Release

Benefit for 4-H Foundation Features Area Artists, Issues

Northampton, Massachusetts—June 1, 2007—The horse, and our ages-old relationship with it, are the subject of more than three dozen area artists, photographers, and sculptors whose work will be displayed, July 22-28, at Skera Contemporary Crafts and Gallery, 221 Main Street in Northampton, during the second annual Our Horses, Our Art presented by Massachusetts Horse magazine as a benefit for the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation. Admission is free.

“In 1955, when Massachusetts 4-H Foundation was incorporated,” says organizer, L.A. Pomeroy, of Massachusetts Horse, “one of the fast-growing activities was the 4-H horse project, which became the first large-scale, 4-H livestock program in Massachusetts with a recreational, rather than economic, approach. Since 2003, 4-H has sustained budget cuts and layoffs, and state funding to UMass Extension has been halved. Our Horses, Our Art supports our artists, and 4-H, which has always encouraged young people to pursue interests in horses, art, or photography.”

Our Horses, Our Art has drawn acclaim for uniting an exceptional niche market with a common cause. “Many artists were 4-H’ers and hold real affection for its clubs,” Pomeroy added. This year’s exhibitor list has tripled, including work on display at the New England Morgan Horse Show at the Three County Fairgrounds, and on King Street at Hampshire Frame and Art. The exhibit runs concurrent with the 68th New England Morgan Horse Show and Northampton’s annual Sidewalk Sales.

Among the works will be renditions of the late 19th century University of Massachusetts-Amherst horse barn across from the Mullins Center. Campus administration has drawn criticism from groups like Preserve UMass for a lack of interest in its Massachusetts Agricultural College architectural heritage. The barn is among structures threatened with demolition. Preserve UMass hopes the evocative paintings will ignite support in preserving the historic horse barn.

An opening reception, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday, July 23, will feature pairings of Spanish wine provided by Province Imports, Ltd., with organic chocolates and gourmet cheesecake from Unbridled Chocolates. For more information, see http://www.mahorse.com, email PomeroyLA@aol.com, or call (413) 586-6121.