TALE OF THE TRAIL
The Trail of Painted Ponies originated in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2001 as a public art project that invited one-hundred and twenty artists to let their imaginations run wild, and creatively transform life-size fiberglass horse sculptures into original works of art. The dazzling results were displayed around the entire state of New Mexico where they were enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. The Painted Ponies received rave reviews in the national media and were featured in a documentary film that aired on PBS stations around the country. When sold, they generated close to one million dollars for different arts, cultural, youth, animal, social and environmental organizations.
What distinguished The Trail of Painted Ponies from many other animal-themed public art projects was the quality of the artwork. The horse form was created exclusively for The Trail by a nationally acclaimed sculptor. A curatorial effort was made to attract the very best established as well as emerging artists to the project. And a special outreach was made to include Native American artists.
Since that time The Trail of Painted Ponies has expanded to new ranges. It has moved its headquarters to Carefree, Arizona. It has created new, scaled-down horse forms for artists to paint. It has mounted a series of national art competitions as a way of broadening artistic involvement. It has introduced a line of high-quality, Painted Pony figurines, inspired by the original Painted Ponies, into the marketplace that has rapidly become one of the most popular collectibles in America. It has entered into licensing agreements with select companies to produce Painted Pony merchandise. It has continued to support philanthropic organizations around the country.
For all that it has done to honor the inspirational power and versatility of the horse as a "sculptural canvas" for creative expression, The Trail of Painted Ponies is proud to have played a part in the development of a new American art movement: Pony Expressionism.
Medicine Horse
Limited Edition: 5000 pieces worldwide
Recognised by Southwest art magazine as one of the top 30 artists featured in their 30 years of publication, Santa Fe sculptor Star Liana York is as well known for her detailed and sensitive renderings of native people as her gift for capturing the spirit of the horse in three dimensions. With medicine horse, she has combined her love and knowledge of people with special relationships to animals by creating a Plains Indian ceremonial horse dressed with a collection of personal objects believed to give the horse’s owner power: shields, a lance, a bow, a pipe and assorted amulets and talismans.
Artist: Star Liana York
Dimensions: 20cm x 25cm
Copper Enchantment
The multi-talented Oregon artist Lynn Bean, who also created “Fetish Pony,” wanted to adorn an appaloosa horse with traditional Native symbols of power, spirit and strength, rendered in different mediums. Using hand-tooled copper foil, leather, feathers and beads to form lightning bolts on the neck (signifying speed), and a handprint on the hindquarters (signifying ownership), she has given birth to an original vision of beauty and wonder appropriately titled “Copper Enchantment.”
Artist: Lynn Bean
Woodland hunter
"Woodland Hunter came to me through research and study of the northern plains tribes," says Kevin Kilhoffer, a native of western Oklahoma who studies, draws and paints the American West. "I found records of a Franciscan missionary stationed at a fur trade fort dating back to 1836, and in his notes he described a Teton Sioux warrior who rode into the fort wearing a magnificent war shirt adorned with scalps and wonderful art work decorating his horse." Incorporating markings that tell of deeds, wisdom, wealth and bravery, and outfitting his Pony with a shield, weapons, saddle and bags for transporting food, Kevin has created an astounding and historically accurate tribute to that plains Indian warrior.
Artist: Kevin Kilhoffer
Fancy Dancer
The Fancy Dance evolved from the early Plains tribe’s war and victory dances. It is an energetic style of dance, usually performed by younger men who spin, twist, and make quick steps and fast turns. Their outfits are traditionally composed of lots of bright colors, metallic beads, sequins and ribbons which create a flashy display. They have two bustles, a head roach and intricately beaded headband… all of which are faithfully and stunningly recreated on a spirited, snorting horse that is caught up in the excitement of the drum beat. This unique creation by a Virginia artist won The People’s Choice Award in the national competition, “The Native Art of Horse Painting.”
Artist: Devon Archer
Year Of The Horse
Painted in conjunction with the Chinese "Year of the Horse", this western and wildlife artist from Cerrillos, NM created a classic celebration of the different horse breeds of America. From the American Quarter Horse to the Thoroughbred, Appaloosa and American Paint, ten horses move gracefully and majestically across the curves and bulges of the original sculpture, each exhibiting a personality of its own, with a style and flair that is Lori's personal hallmark.
Artist: Lori Musil
Tewa
Tewa Pony, by Pueblo artist Tom Tapia, celebrates the geometric and animal designs that have adorned Cochiti pottery for centuries. Known for his pottery, painting, and day job as a tribal policeman, this Tewa native has adorned his pony with traditional designs. The sash represents good faith and fortune, the blanket honors the horse as a bold and strong being, the eagle represents good luck, and the handprint stands for the loving touch of all creation.
Artist: Tom Tapia (Tesuque)
Crazy Horse
NEW Collection
Dreamwalker
Wish Upon A Star
Indian Summer
Prarie Horizon (ceremic)
Serenity (ceremic)
Twilight Hunters
Bedazzled
To ride on a carousel is every child’s dream, and most adults find that carousels bring back the joys of childhood. “Bedazzled” embodies all the characteristics of the Coney Island carousel style that reached its peak at the turn of the 20th Century. “Her silver dapple coat, flowing gold mane and tail, and sparkling jewels would bring squeals of delight from any child,” says creator J.E. Speight, who studied the various styles of the famous early carousels while serving as the head painter on several restored carousel horses in Salem, Oregon’s Riverfront Park.
Artist: J.E. Speight
Height: 17cm
