Trail Highlights:
Statewide effort
Various artisans
Each pony is different
Themes are varied
See artists at work
Benefitted charities
| Creating the Event |
| It began in the fall of 2001 when a call went out to the artistic community around the state. Drawing on the popularity of animal art projects elsewhere, it was announced that new Mexico would host its own version. The critter featured was the horse because of the role it has played in the development of the cultures in our state. Painters, sculptors and graphic designers were encouraged to submit drawings with designs and themes that expressed whimsy, elegance and a respect for the region’s heritage.
Corporations, small businesses, individuals and organizations interested in sponsorship were asked to select their favorite artist and design from the hundreds of entries. Chosen artists were given “naked” horses weighing 130 pounds and standing 5’ x 7˝’ to paint. The results range from the delightful to the breathtaking. |
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| A New Breed of Horse |
) Each horse appears to be its own individual breed. Some wear outrageous trappings. Several have been cut apart and reassembled. One is adorned with more than 950,000 seed beads, and has been nominated for the Guinness Book of World Records.
There is the Native American Herd, inspired by the meaning of the horse to different tribes. A New West Herd, showcasing showcasing modern interpretations of traditional cowboy themes. A Contemporary Art Herd, featuring artworks by abstract painters and sculptors. A herd depicting our state’s cultural and historic connection with Spain. And others that seem to have been dropped into the desert landscape by a madcap circus. |
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| Site Gallery - Trail of the painted Ponies |
Extracted from the "Trail of the Painted Ponies" brochure. All Rights Reserved by the individual artists. Photographs by: Eduardo Fuss and Marv Shockley |
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| Site Gallery - Our "Walk Down the Trail" |
Artist: Amado Maurilio Pena |
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Las Cruces, NM |
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| Text source extracted from brochure: "The Trail of Painted Ponies". |