HORSE FEVER STILL RUNNING STRONG

‘HORSE FEVER’ STILL RUNNING STRONG

COUNTY-WIDE PUBLIC ART PROJECT FILLS OCALA WITH COLORFUL EQUINES

Written by: Ava Isabel Grace

Standing 6 feet, 5 inches in height from tip of the ear

to the ground, and 8 feet long, these horses are made of fiberglass and have a clear-coated finish to protect them from the elements. The horses—88 in all, located throughout greater Ocala, Florida—were designed and decorated by local artists as part of “Horse Fever.”

It’s a series of events that took place during the past 15 or so years, with new horses added each time. The

horses are vivid, colorful and unique—because each was painted by an individual artist who offered his or her own vision. And the theme was obvious, because Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.”

Examples of the works include a horse decorated with large, colorful flowers and stunning dragonflies; another in early Americana style, with soldiers and the flag. One horse’s design features a small-town setting,

THE HORSES ARE VIVID, COLORFUL AND UNIQUE— BECAUSE EACH WAS PAINTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST WHO OFFERED HIS OR HER OWN VISION.

THE HORSES ARE VIVID, COLORFUL AND UNIQUE— BECAUSE EACH WAS PAINTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST WHO OFFERED HIS OR HER OWN VISION.

with businesses and homes, all resting on a ton of bricks; another was inspired by the Kentucky Derby and has cheering attendees and a winner’s cup.

The accounting firm of Collier, Jernigan & Goedert, P.A., purchased “Hi Ho Silver Springs,” a horse named after one of Florida’s original tourist attractions. “We use it as a landmark when giving directions to our location, and our clients love how beautiful it is,” notes partner Daryl L. Collier, CPA, MBA.

When the firm acquired the horse, artist Kelli Money Huff was pleased to see that its final destination is in full sunlight. That’s because Huff painted it so that when the sun shines upon her creation, the horse shimmers.

The horses gather a great deal of attention, to say the least, and they were made for a good cause—to help the Ocala-based Marion Cultural Alliance fund a cultural endowment established by the alliance. In addition, some of the earlier event funds went to the buyers’ charities of choice.

“Horse Fever” was Ocala’s first county-wide public art project. It was sponsored through a partnership with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, the local business community, philanthropists, the City of Ocala, and volunteers.

THE HORSES ARE VIVID, COLORFUL AND UNIQUE— BECAUSE EACH WAS PAINTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST WHO OFFERED HIS OR HER OWN VISION.

THE HORSES ARE VIVID, COLORFUL AND UNIQUE— BECAUSE EACH WAS PAINTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST WHO OFFERED HIS OR HER OWN VISION.

THE HORSES ARE VIVID, COLORFUL AND UNIQUE— BECAUSE EACH WAS PAINTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST WHO OFFERED HIS OR HER OWN VISION.

The horses brighten up Ocala and locals report that they love them. Also, many visitors come from afar to see the handsome herd located in various places throughout greater Ocala. Local businesses would first sponsor the horses, and then they would eventually be sold to private buyers. However, nine are still located on city of Ocala property.

“One sold for an impressive $85,000 at auction,” explains Jaye Baillie, executive director of the Marion Cultural Alliance. And fans can also purchase a variety of “Horse Fever” merchandise at the alliance gift store, such as mugs, posters and figurines.

Considering its ongoing popularity, “Horse Fever” won’t be put out to pasture any time soon.

Ava Isabel Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.

ROUNDUP

Marion Cultural Alliance 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala 352-369-1500, .mcaocala.com

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