American Saddlebred Museum chooses two Hooshang horses; MoNA selects abstract set

The American Saddlebred Museum chose two of Hooshang Khorasani's horse paintings to be part of its 2016 Equine Art, Antique and Rare Book Auction.

 

In addition, the Museum of Northwest Art picked one of his abstract sets for its 2016 Art Auction.

 

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the American Saddlebred Museum is on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, which boasts the largest collection of Saddlebred artifacts in the world and a research library of more than 3,000 volumes.

 

This year's auction was held during the Lexington Junior League Horse Show on July 9. Along with the onsite auction, an online auction was offered at liveauctioneers.com. Display of the artwork began July 5.

 

The Saddlebred is an American horse breed descended from riding-type horses bred at the time of the American Revolution. Saddlebreds are known for their sense of presence and style, as well as for their spirited, yet gentle, temperament. Since the mid-1800s, the breed has played a prominent part in the U.S. horse show industry and is called the "peacock of the horse world."

 

Hooshang's paintings in the event were "Red Fiery Runner" and "Black Knight," both 36-by-36-inch acrylic on canvas.

The other auction at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, Washington, included Hooshang's "In the News," a set of three 12-by-12-inch abstracts, mixed-media/acrylic on canvas.

 

MoNA celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and its 24th annual auction. Michelle Bufano, executive director of the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, was juror for the event.

 

Both the auction and the preview party – June 17 and 18, respectively – were held at the Wa Walton Event Center at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge.

Hooshang's painting donation supports St. Jude Hospital

One of the first original paintings – the largest one to date – was donated to the Minden St. Jude Auction by Ruston artist Hooshang Khorasani.

The auction ran Feb. 4-7 at the Minden Civic Center.

 

Khorasani's artwork was a 30x40-inch acrylic painting, "Spotted Horse," valued at $1,800. He's well-known for his equine work, which has been shown in exhibits from Massachusetts to Montana to Beverly Hills, California. His running horses have been published by multiple publishers and are available around the world.

 

"We're excited about having Hooshang's work," said Christie Ruple, co-chair of the auction at the time of the event. "We were so glad to get a phone call that he was willing to contribute."

 

The 40th year for the auction sported the theme "There's No Place Like St. Jude." Proceeds from the event, which now top $1 million a year, benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Other activities at the televised event included a Chili Cook-Off, Kids Day, Run for St. Jude, live entertainment and blood drive.

Additional Hooshang equine paintings chosen by publisher

2 Hooshang paintings at Montana museum

The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art selected two of Hooshang Khorasani's paintings for its 19th annual Art Exhibition and Auction in Great Falls, Mont.

Beginning March 14,2016, an exhibition of all art selections was presented in three of the Square’s main-floor exhibition galleries, with the auction following April 9.

Hooshang's works are both acrylic on canvas: "Elegant Runner," a 36x36-inch abstract, and "Colors of Nature," a 24x36-inch floral.

Paris Gibson Square, one of Great Falls' oldest and most beloved landmarks, has served as a center for learning and growth for more than 100 years. The sandstone structure was completed in 1896 and served 34 years as Central High School and 45 years as Paris Gibson Junior High before closing its doors in 1975.

In 1977, community volunteers renovated and reopened the historic building as Paris Gibson Square. Since then, the museum has provided a dynamic program of exhibitions, classes, lectures, tours and performances designed to nurture the region's creative spirit.

Proceeds from the auction went to support the museum’s exhibitions and related educational programs.