Wednesday February 4, 2009
Editors: To schedule a time to photo/video horses, interview artists/sponsor, or to host a morning show or live shot, contact Lynn Huffman, Gallopalooza. Photos are also available via email upon request.
At the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center (1860 Mellwood Avenue), there are currently more than two dozen artists busy painting fiberglass horses in preparation for Gallopalooza 2009. Additional artists will claim their horses over the next few weeks once their designs are finalized and approved by their sponsors and the Gallopalooza Artist Committee. All horses need to be finished by March 27, 2009.
Gallopalooza, presented by Thorntons Inc., is a civic pride project that will feature artistically-enhanced horse statues on display throughout the community from April-November 2009.
“It’s exciting to see the horses come to life through their designs and bright colors,” said Lynn Huffman, Gallopalooza director. “We can’t wait to get them on the street in mid-April, so the public can begin to enjoy them, too.”
The horses were sculpted specifically for this project by a local architectural design/build company – Weber Group, Inc. – and molded by three different fiberglass manufacturers – including Vanaire, which is also a local company.
Currently, more than 125 horses and foals have been sponsored. Project organizers will continue to accept sponsors for the project through mid-February in hopes of having at least 150 statues on display. Sponsorships cost between $2,500 and $4,500 depending on the statue and need for an artist. The proceeds from the event will be used to create landscaped “gateways” into the community through a special partnership with Brightside.
For more information visit: www.gallopalooza.com or call Gallopalooza executive director, Lynn Huffman at 502.394.0978.
Gallopalooza is made possible through the generous support of:
Presenting Sponsor: Thorntons Inc.
Event Partners: Bee Line Courier Service • Brightside • Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center • Porter Paints, A PPG Brand • Power Creative • Sam Swope Collision Center • Weber Group, Inc.
Event Sponsors: Brown-Forman • Kindred Healthcare • Texas Roadhouse • Yum! Brands
Co-Sponsors: Anonymous • AT&T • Churchill Downs • Grinstead Group • john conti Coffee Company • Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau • Norton Healthcare • PNC Bank • U.S. Bank
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Media Contacts:
Lynn Huffman, Gallopalooza Director, 502.394.0978
Lisa Gunterman, Brightside, 502.574.2339