Join us for our next EquineEd event on Friday, July 5th at 12:30 PM in the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Center!
This month’s featured guest is equine sculptor Shelley Hunter, creator of the upcoming Funny Cide statue set to be installed later this year at the park. Shelley is also the artist behind several statues already on display at the Kentucky Horse Park, including the bronze sculptures of Alysheba and John Henry located along the Memorial Walk of Champions. The upcoming Funny Cide statue will join them in that same area.
Known for her bold, dynamic style and passion for equine subjects, Hunter brings a unique perspective to the intersection of art and the equestrian world. Her powerful and expressive sculptures, known for capturing motion, have earned national recognition and awards from organizations such as the American Academy of Equine Art, the Equestrian’s Eye Show in Detroit, and the Anna Hyatt Huntington Award in New York City.
With a BA in Art from Michigan State University, Hunter began her career as a painter and ceramicist before discovering her true calling in sculpture. “Bells and whistles went off,” she recalls, “and I knew that this was what I was meant to do.” Today, her work continues to evolve as she re-explores painting, bringing with her the deep anatomical understanding and sense of motion developed through years of sculpting.
During the lecture, Hunter will share her creative process, artistic philosophy, and the personal story behind her connection to Funny Cide, a name she randomly picked in an office Derby pool in 2003, winning her biggest bet ever. Years later, that chance selection came full circle when she was commissioned to create his likeness in bronze. “I figured I owed him my best effort,” she says. “I hope he approves.”
This EquineEd Lecture is free and open to the public. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a nationally recognized equine artist and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Kentucky Horse Park’s newest upcoming tributes.