Trail of Painted Ponies
The Trail of Painted Ponies started as a public art project in New Mexico. In the summer of 2000, a major sculptor was appointed to come up with a way to boost interest and awareness in the country’s history and cultural heritage.
Life-size ceramic ponies were distributed to famous and emerging artists for painting. The ceramic works of art were auctioned off to support various non-profit organizations.
Below are some example product of Trail of Painted Ponies that you can purchase at Amazon:
With the success of the New Mexico project, Westland Giftware acquired license to produce small-scale replicas of the painted ponies and market them as collectibles in 2002. A pony figurine begins as an artist’s work of art then crafted into a ceramic figurine.
The first set of 12 figurines was made available in early 2003. Since then, Westland Giftware releases new additions in a 6-month interval. Painted ponies cost $20 to $30 a piece, but when the company “retires” a design, a single limited edition figurine can cost up to hundreds of dollars!
What started as a public art project in 2002 is now one of the greatest collection of all time. Today, the Painted Ponies collection is not only limited to small-scale pony figurines. Here is a list of other stuff you can get from the collection that is sure to be enjoyed by a horse lover.
• Ornaments are miniature replicas of the painted ponies that are made as holiday décor or design gift bows and draperies.
• Books from the Painted Ponies collection are essential guides for all Trail collectors. These books feature the history of The Trail and a background on each of the crafted figurine.
• Jeweled gift boxes with pony themes made from lead-free casts and decorated with Austrian crystal, 24-karat gold or silver plating.
• Equine jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pins detailed with Austrian crystals.
• Clothing and accessories with horse designs that is well-crafted and creatively designed such as hoodies or sweatshirts, T-shirts, outerwear, caps, handbags and wallets.
• Painted Ponies home décor such as painted art glass, candles and diffusers, lamps and prints.
• Painted Ponies Paint Your Own Kit provides the opportunity for you to create your own equine work of art.
