My little painted pony

SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- "The Native Art of Horse Painting," a national art competition sponsored by The Trail of Painted Ponies, invites all contemporary artists to submit designs that express the unique history, experience and traditions of Native Americans on a blank horse form (available online). A narrative description of the artist and the piece, along with a sample of artwork must be included with the application. The deadline is Dec. 1, with the winners being announced on Jan. 2.

"The Native American practice of painting one's horse with dramatic colors and symbols in preparation for ceremonial events or forays into enemy territory was an art form unto itself," says Rod Barker, founder and president of The Trail of Painted Ponies, an organization that produces art exhibitions around the country and produces collector editions of painted pony reproductions. "We expect this competition to generate a distinctive body of thought-provoking artworks that will serve as a fresh, exciting and engaging way to learn about the art and culture of Native America."

The juried competition will select the top 10 winners based on creativity, originality and the inspirational use of the horse canvas. Each artist will then be sent a 2- x 2 1/2-foot marble-cast horse sculpture with three months to paint their pony. The artists selected will receive $1,500, along with various marketing benefits, including a promotional page on The Trail of Painted Ponies' Web site and a page in the book, "The Native Art of Horse Painting," which will be published in conjunction with the competition.

Following, Americans will be invited to vote online for the People's Choice Pony, whereby the artist's piece will be crafted into a miniature figurine, as well as awarded a free advertising page in Southwest Art magazine. In addition, the winning entry will be awarded a national tour to exhibit at select locations across the United States.

For more information, call 480-459-5700; visit www.trailofpaintedponies.com.

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