Hooshang's work has 'Horse Sense' linked to 'True Grit'

"In Flight"

Two of Hooshang's equine works will be exhibited in Massachusetts at an invitational show that is connected to the book "True Grit."

"Equine Allure" and "In Flight" will be part of the "Horse Sense" show at Attleboro (Mass.) Arts Museum from Sept. 20-28.

The exhibit complements the city of Attleboro's annual summer reading initiative, The Big Read/Attleboro's 1ABC (1 Adventure, 1 Book, 1 Community), which is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This year's book selection is "True Grit," a much-loved American classic with a dynamic frontier story, legendary characters and complex adventures. The program encourages the community to read a selected book at the same time and for readers to expand their connection to the book through related arts and cultural programs.

"Equine Allure"

"Horse Sense" features more than 30 works from 15 artists and honors the strength, impact, companionship and powerful work of the horse.

Throughout "True Grit," the reader finds several examples of the symbiotic relationship between a character in the novel and his or her horse. In more than one instance, the life and well-being of each depends on the other. Horses are portrayed as the working partners of the main characters, but author Charles Portis also vividly demonstrates a pure and simple bond that cannot be ignored. One memorable example is protagonist Mattie's relationship with her horse, Little Blackie, and her relentless search for her father's murderer – and his lost horse, Judy.

A Sept. 21 reception will open with cowboy violin music, followed by a ceremony to kick off Attleboro's reading of "True Grit." Additionally, representatives from a therapeutic riding center will discuss how such riding uses the magnetic bond between people and horses to teach such skills as listening, balance, motor control, and a variety of other attributes that help people promote independence and self-confidence.

Hooshang's paintings are 30-by-40-inch acrylics on canvas.

More information can be found at www.attleboroartsmuseum.org.

Hooshang's abstracts, equines, florals displayed in 3 states, 4 shows

Artwork by Hooshang was on display in three states and four exhibits from Jan. 31 through mid-April, 2013, including a solo show in Bossier City, La.

Three of Hooshang's abstracts in the "Color Storm" exhibit

* "Color Storm," which included both abstracts and equine works, was featured in 1800 Prime Steakhouse at Bossier City's Boomtown Casino from Jan. 31 through mid-April.

This new art venue is a partnership between the Bossier Arts Council and Boomtown Casino committed to promoting work of regional artists.

"Equine Energy"

* Another of Hooshang's equine works was exhibited March 2 through April 14 at the Western Spirit Art Show at the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Old West Museum. "Equine Energy," a 36x48-inch acrylic painting, is from Hooshang's series of running horses.

The Western Spirit show featured more than 100 artists from across the country. A special feature of opening night festivities was the Vandewark Miniature Art exhibit. Hooshang had two small abstract sets in that show.

* Two more Hooshang abstracts were part of the Masur Museum of Art's fourth annual "Off the Wall" event in Monroe, La. This silent auction of art by local and national artists was hosted by the Twin City Art Foundation on April 5. Hooshang's paintings were "Subtle Sunset" and "Color Flurry," both 8x8-inch acrylic/mixed media on canvas.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support exhibitions and educational programs at the Masur Museum.

"Window Bouquet"

* Another Hooshang painting was part of the annual "Flower Show" March 21-24 at the Attleboro (Mass.) Arts Museum. This year's theme was "Wings: Spring is in the Air."

Hooshang's work was a 14x17-inch acrylic painting, "Window Bouquet."

The show is one of the museum's largest and most anticipated annual fundraising events. Attendees come to kindle their own creativity, to support arts programming or simply to revel in the promise of spring.