Visitors can meet creators of the wooden works of art at the Artisan Market
Staff Report
A collection of painted wooden horses, created by local artists and dispersed throughout downtown Santa Ynez, continues to draw attention from visitors to the area. Visitors can meet the artists Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Artisan Market on the corner of Meadowvale Road and Highway 246, across the street from the Lucky Hen Larder, 1095 Meadowvale Road, Santa Ynez.
The Painted Horse Project was launched by the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce last fall in collaboration with local artists. What started as a handful of painted wooden horses on display has grown into 10 works of art showcased prominently outdoors in the Township of Santa Ynez.
“Art is always fun to see and experience,” said Linda Small, executive director for the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce. “I hoped to bring something artistic for the community to experience outdoors, and this project fit perfectly.”
The Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce obtained private donations and a grant from Visit SYV to pay for the project. Artists also donated their time and materials to make the project’s concept a reality.
Participating artists include Susan Cobb, whose horse is located in front of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum on Sagunto Street, Nicole Pena (in front of the Community Services District on Faraday Street), Laurie Owens (corner of Sagunto and Edison streets), Joan Reden (the cloud-painted horse on Edison Street featuring a poem on the back), Suzanne Huska (“spirit” horse on Edison Street), Annie Guillemette (in front of Mechanics Bank on Sagunto Street), Natalie Asselstine (in front of Lucky Hen Larder on Meadowvale Road), Dawn DeBartolo (in front of Finch & Fern Home Garden on Faraday Street), and 12-year-old Faith K. Ortega, a descendant of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, which sponsored her horse, located on the corner of Edison Street and Highway 246.
Visitors who visit all the Painted Horses will qualify for a prize drawing. Drawing cards can be obtained from the artists and from the Chamber Information Table. Once you complete your drawing card, just provide your contact information and leave it with the last merchant you visit in Santa Ynez. The Santa Ynez Chamber will contact all winners.
Along with Meet the Artists, please visit the artisans and craft booths. There will also be miniature horses performing with trainer Ramon Becerra.
For more information on the project and the artists behind the painted wooden horses, please contact Linda Small at linda@santaynezchamber.org.
