By Ann McCreary
Horses are graceful, elegant, and have a special and magical relationship with humans.
A new exhibit that opens Saturday (Sept. 5) at Confluence Gallery is a celebration of these captivating creatures through a variety of artistic approaches.
“What could be better than using art to show the magic and sprit within this amazing animal?” said Cindy Ruprecht, curator of the exhibit, “Celebrate the Horse.”
The new art show is a collaborative exhibit and fundraiser for Methow Valley Riding Unlimited (MVRU), a nonprofit organization that provides a unique therapeutic riding program called “Let ’Em Ride.”
Through connections with specially trained horses, elementary age children with special needs develop positive self-image and interpersonal skills through horsemanship instruction, opportunities to experience authentic ranch life and connection with community members.
Let ’Em Ride is made possible through collaboration between MVRU, Moccasin Lake Ranch and the Methow Valley Public School Funding Alliance.
“As a board member of MVRU, I thought the relationship [between horse and human] to be fitting as an art show to bring awareness to the organization as a whole,” Ruprecht said.
The work of more than 40 artists will be displayed in the exhibit. Artwork ranges from saddle blankets to jewelry, and includes paintings, mixed media, photography and sculpture. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at Confluence Gallery. The exhibit runs through Oct. 3.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Annie Budiselich, MVRU program director, will share stories from the saddle, including a short video presentation about the riding program. The presentation will be at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the gallery.
