Horsetails
Kona Gold
![[Picture]](images/art/_DSC5529.jpg)
Foaled in 1994 by Java Gold and Double Sunrise, Kona Gold was the 2000 Eclipse Champion Sprinter. That same year, the bay gelding won the Breeders' Cup Sprint and set a track record at Santa Anita, following his several wins in 1999 including the San Carlos Handicap and the Bing Crosby Handicap. Kona Gold retired in 2004 after a career that included 11 stakes wins and $2,293,284 in total earnings. He currently resides at the Kentucky Horse Park, who generously provided tail hair.
Kentucky Horse Park
Ruth Adams
Currently an Associate Professor of Photography at the University of Kentucky, Ruth Adams is an internationally renowned photographer, best known for her startling portraits of Organics and her haunting and inspiring series Unremarkable: A Journey Through Cancer, Chemotherapy, Radiation and Recovery. In her work with Kona Gold, Adams was delighted with the personality and friendliness of the horse, whether he was trying to eat her camera or to kiss her face. Her piece shows the closeness she felt with Kona Gold, both spiritually and physically by focusing on his face and the kisses he gave the camera.
About the Project
Fifty-two artists from around the country have been chosen and each given small replicas of a violin and bow. Each artist has been assigned an unforgettable, beloved horse and has created a work of art. Artists have worked with paint, glass, metal, and other mediums. Their only charge was to embrace either the image or spirit of their horse. Horses include well-known Thoroughbreds, as well as other breeds represented in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.
Each piece will be on display at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. During the Games, a silent auction will take place, with all proceeds go to the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra’s Partners in Education, a program benefiting the children in high-risk areas of Kentucky through music education.
Please take the time to enjoy our art gallery (link to gallery), learn more about our special events (link to special events), and shop in our retail area for your very own HORSETAILS® 2010 merchandise. If you have questions about the project or would like more information, please contact us.
The Presentation
Each completed work of art is professionally mounted on linen mat board and framed in an antique black wooden slant-top shadow box. Framed by Lexington’s premiere sporting arts framer, the finished size measures 13.25" x 17".
