By Brenna Angel
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The dozens of fiberglass horses that decorated the sidewalks of Lexington this summer are now going up on the auction block. LexArts President Jim Clark says the Horse Mania 2010 auction will be held this Friday at Keeneland.
"Basically the auction is run just like a regular thoroughbred sale. Which, if anyone's been to one of those they know it's a rather fast-paced and furious event. But we do have to get through the 82 horses probably within three hours to do it."
When Horse Mania hit central Kentucky in 2000, it generated over $750,000 dollars for LexArts and local charities. Ten years later, LexArts Jim Clark hopes Horse Mania will have a similar impact.
"You know the economy is in a very different place. We're hoping to achieve about seven to eight thousand [dollars], on the average. Also, lots of people have told us that the artistry this go-around is really incredible, and there's a number of horses people are interested in."
The high-earner from the first Horse Mania sold for $53,000 and the same artist has two popular designs available this year. Industrial Evolution, Bourbon Barrel, and Lady Godiva's Horse are just a few of the Horse Mania artworks expected to draw several bids.
"Fifty percent of each horse will go to our public arts fund and the balance of funds will be divided between 84 charities. So this is going to be a very large fundraising event benefiting many groups throughout the Bluegrass," says Clark.
The foals that were decorated by Lexington school children for Horse Mania are still on public display as part of the Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park. They will be auctioned off in January.
General admission tickets to Friday's auction are $35. Click here for more information.