Celebrate the horse at the Art Center of Fallbrook!

The new exhibit at the Art Center of Fallbrook, “Art of the Equine” is a stunning collection of artwork celebrating the horse. It is not possible to highlight each piece, or even each artist, because they are many, but be assured that each piece featured in this eclectic display is worthy of close observation.

In addition to the art pieces in the gallery, some of which are available for purchase, the Art Center offers a gift area where works of art such as jewelry and purses are sold. The exhibit is open daily through October 28.

Available for viewing is a jockey silks collection as well as other horseracing memorabilia. Silent Auction items from owners of “Seattle Slew” and “Cigar” are available.

Célou Bonnet, a former jockey turned sculptor, really knows her horses. She has several bronze pieces including an intricate rendition of what looks like Belgian workhorses. She has also fashioned several jockey statues. Bonnet also displays some colorful papier-mché horses.

Brett Stokes has created thought-provoking oils on canvas with Native American riders on the horses. In one piece it seems as if the rider has become part of the horse. It also appears the rider may be missing part of an arm, which might signify a return from battle or even the mistreatment of Native Americans in our country’s early history.

Stacey Landfield painted an intriguing piece called “Boxes and Stripes” with squares of green and gold reaching to infinity. Transposed on this checkerboard design are running zebras, which are partially translucent. The black stripes are opaque and white stripes are nonexistent. Landfield also displays equally intriguing paintings called “Circle Horses.”

Brenda Peo offers a collection of wire sculptured horses with wispy wire manes and tails. Her horses have a metal heart hanging in the chest area. Peo’s horse sculpture entitled “Carnivale” sports a saddle made of woven copper. The horse’s mane has colorful stones and beads intertwined in the wires and the eyes look like they are formed of something like glazed copper.

Tim Cox painted a wonderful work which is part of the Vessels family collection and is of their famous horse, “First Down Dash.” The painting looks like a photograph, the detail is so amazing. Viewers can see the ripple of muscles as the animal moves across the field.

Don Sieber has formed some wonderfully creative collages that evoke childhood memories for anyone who was raised in the 1950s or enjoys western-themed art. One piece has a bright yellow record of “Happy Trails to You” by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. He also utilizes cartoons and trading cards. Cutouts of the Lone Ranger as well as of Dale Evans riding her horse, “Buttermilk,” were used. Authentic autographs of Clayton Moore (the Lone Ranger) and Roy Rogers are also part of this piece.

Cherry Sweig’s “Parthenon Momentum,” an oil painting on a scroll, is an interesting piece. She has chosen to paint an endangered species of horse from the Island of Skyros. Bloodlines link them to horses used by Alexander the Great. These horses were also painted in friezes at the Parthenon. Sweig has her horses galloping past the Parthenon in Athens.

Kent Davis displays his incredible and detailed digital photographs. These pieces illustrate his great understanding of the horse. The piece entitled “Mimosa” is a close-up of the eye of the horse with wisps of mane. Reflections can be seen in the glaze of the horse’s eye.

Karin Swildens has created busts of horses that have emotion and flair. Her “Dark Deco Horse” is a clay piece but looks bronze.

Kristy Dial attacks gourds with a vengeance, creating something beautiful out of a dry vegetable. One piece is an engraving of a horse’s head with a lock of the horse’s mane or tail woven on the top.

Hector P. Valdez creates horse heads from Taxco Silver. The sculptures have an incredible amount of detail, especially in the veins on the head and snout. The horses he fashioned have the distinctive scooped profile of an Arabian.

On Saturday, October 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. the next special event during this exhibit, “From Jockey to Sculptor,” will feature Célou Bonnet. Guests may dine on wine, fruit and cheese while Bonnet shares about her days as a jockey. (A nominal fee will be charged. Please RSVP by September 30.)

Art of the Equine

Art Center of Fallbrook

103 South Main

Fallbrook

(760) 728-1414

http://www.fallbrookart.org

Open daily through October 28

Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday, noon-3 p.m.

ACF members, children: free

Others: nominal admission fee