AAEA Spring Invitational opens April 17
The American Academy of Equine Art Spring Invitational show and sale will be on display from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the fabulous Spindletop Hall, Lexington, Kentucky. The opening reception is Friday, April 17 from 6:00-8:00 p.m, and all are invited. The exhibition will consist of approximately 50 paintings and sculptures highlighting Bluegrass equines and happenings in the local area during the show, such as the Rolex Three Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park (right across the street from Spindletop), Kentucky Derby in Louisville and The Spring Thoroughbred racing season at Keeneland.
According to AAEA Vice President, Dean of Exhibitions Sheila Barnes: “This is the fourth time that Spindletop Hall has hosted this show, and we are so pleased. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and as such has a rich heritage. Our artists’ work will be shown in several of the venue’s stunning rooms, with utmost attention to displaying the paintings and sculpture to the best advantage.”
Spindletop Hall was a national leader in breeding, training and showing the wonderful American Saddlebred from 1937-1962. Two of the most notable equines from this era were Roxie Highland and breeding stallion Chief of Spindletop. In 1962 the venue became the residence of the University of Kentucky Faculty, Staff and Alumni Club. New members are welcome and all members are invited to their Club for the many enjoyable activities offered. The mansion is open Tuesday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For additional information call (859) 255-2777 or visit http://spindletophall.org/.
The American Academy of Equine Art, Inc. was founded in 1980. The idea was to assemble the finest equine artists in the country to exhibit together, share creative ideas and eventually have a teaching group-modeled after England’s Royal Academy of Art. Founding members were an impressive list of who’s who in this genre, and included Jean Bowman, William Wallace Nall, Marilyn Newmark, Richard Stone Reeves, Sam Savitt and Else Tuckerman. The first show was at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting at Morven Park, Virginia in 1980. Throughout the years as more of the best horse artists joined the Academy, exhibitions have moved to a variety of locales, including Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Kentucky.
To learn more about AAEA, its workshops, the upcoming exhibit and other shows visit www.aaea.net, call (502) 570-8567 or email the group’s executive director Frances Clay Conner at fcconner@aaea.net.
