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A horse of a different color is probably in Goshen

| 14 Jun 2017 | 05:05
    Along with enjoying ice cream at Trailside Treats Creamery, Brianna Kimmel, 13, Madilyn Bunzey, 14, and Jade Kimmel, 14, took time to appreciate the decorative work of artist Leanne Pisciotta. Jade, an artist herself, likes the painted horses, saying that the chosen subject "explain the artist’s personality.” Jade likes to paint and do calligraphy. All of the girls attend  C.J. Hooker Middle School in Goshen. (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Along with enjoying ice cream at Trailside Treats Creamery, Brianna Kimmel, 13, Madilyn Bunzey, 14, and Jade Kimmel, 14, took time to appreciate the decorative work of artist Leanne Pisciotta. Jade, an artist herself, likes the painted horses, saying that the chosen subject "explain the artist’s personality.” Jade likes to paint and do calligraphy. All of the girls attend  C.J. Hooker Middle School in Goshen. (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Patricia Insignres of Goshen posed with her painted horse, which represents Goshen’s long harness racing history (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Patricia Insignres of Goshen posed with her painted horse, which represents Goshen’s long harness racing history (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Robin Knoblock of Goshen, stands with her artistically created horse that illustrates Goshen’s history on one side and highlights of Goshen events on the other side. All the artists hope that people will walk around village streets and find the horses — over 25 of them — outside local businesses (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Robin Knoblock of Goshen, stands with her artistically created horse that illustrates Goshen’s history on one side and highlights of Goshen events on the other side. All the artists hope that people will walk around village streets and find the horses — over 25 of them — outside local businesses (Photo by Geri Corey)

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — It was a show of color, action, and plenty of smiles at the unveiling of an array of hand-painted horses.
More than 25 beautifully decorated plywood horses were presented to the public June 4 at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, along with a reception hosted by Director Janet Terhune.
Judging by the number of guests who came to view the horses for the first time and their complimentary comments, the show was well received.
The Village of Goshen and the Goshen Art League were joined by the Goshen High School Technology Department to create the horse cutouts, which were then painted by local artists. Each completed horse is a unique and thoughtfully designed piece of artwork.
The horses are now on display on village streets, enhancing local businesses. The horses will be individually auctioned off to the public on Friday, July 28 at Limocello’s, 159 Main St., from 7 to 9 p.m.
Although she studied with old master artists for about four years, Patricia Insignares hadn’t painted for over 20 years. Thinking this project would be a great “kick start” to getting back into painting, she started researching for a theme. Knowing Goshen’s history with horseracing, she chose a horse, sulky and driver as her subject. To her surprise, she found that in 1972, E. Roland Harriman’s wife, Gladys, was the driver in a race. That event is artistically depicted on her horse.
Village Trustee Pete Smith commended the mayor for taking the lead on this project.
“I get joy from riding around the village and seeing the horses," he said. "Each one is different; they’re very unique."
Smith encourages all residents to take time — to find and look at — the many horses outside local businesses.
“I am thrilled at the success of this new project," said Mayor Kyle Roddey. "These horses beautify our downtown while providing a reminder of our horseracing heritage. This project, combined with the Keys of Goshen and the Art Walks, solidify Goshen’s position as a community that fully supports the arts. We can’t wait to begin this project again next year with even more horses.”
Money collected from the sale of the horses will be used for funding future art projects.