August 14, 2008

Phar Lap statue gets US boost

 In July the Phar Lap Trust learned that a marquette of the great Phar Lap has been accepted into the American Academy of Equine Arts annual exhibition in Lexington Kentucky, beating hundreds of other applications from around the world.

Sculptor, Joanne Sullivan – Gessler, submitted the marquette to the academy for the display and it was one of 80 exhibits chosen from more than 600 entries submitted from around the world.

The exhibition will run from September to November 2008 at the International Museum of the Horse in Lexington.

“It is the international benchmark for equine art, sculptures and painting” Ms Sullivan – Gessler said.

She added it meant the marquette was now an internationally accredited museum piece.

It was particularly rewarding to get an accolade from an equine museum which knew Phar Lap well.

“He is a legend, one of the great world legends, to have a piece on an international exhibition like this is huge for a piece.”

“It puts the sculpture on the same level as an international piece of fine art.”

She said it would also put New Zealand on the map as people who saw it may decide to visit New Zealand to see the full sized version.

The acceptance into the American Academy of Equine Arts not only promotes the New Zealand icon but creates tremendous interest for the final

unveiling of the life – size statue in Timaru next year.

People in the photo from left to right
Peter Anaru (First Sovereign) Mrs Anne Glendining (Trustee) Derek Barton (Trustee)
Jainie Annear (Mayor) Derek Mayne (Trust Chairman) Mrs Karty Mayne (Trustee)
Mr Malcolm Short (First Sovereign Chairman) Mrs Beverly Anaru.

Photo by Annie Studholme

Sculptor Joanne Sullivan Gessler and Maquette no.3
Photo by Howard Williams

Sculptor Joanne Sullivan Gessler