Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation

Willits, CA, January 14, 2010 -- The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation and The Frank R. Howard Foundation with the support of the Arts Council of Mendocino, launches a call to artists to participate in a premiere art event scheduled on May 22, 2010. ‘May the World Never Forget the Magnificent Seabiscuit.’

Seabiscuit’s Legacy art exhibit and benefit auction will feature art depicting the legacy of the Great American horse racing icon in a variety of styles and media. More than 500 community artists have been invited to participate and their work will be featured at a silent and live auction to help raise money for the new Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital Building Fund and the preservation efforts of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation. Many of the historic buildings built by Seabiscuit’s owner, and founding donor of Howard Memorial Hospital, C.S. Howard, still remain and are in urgent need of repair. The Howard Foundation is raising funds for a new state-of-the art hospital in Willits.

“The theme is Seabiscuit's Legacy,” says Jacqueline Cooper, a representative of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation. “Artwork, will include, but is not limited to an equestrian theme. Works can include the paintings of the oak woodlands, old-growth Redwood groves, and the landscapes that constitute Seabiscuit’s legacy. Seabiscuit’s stud barn, Howard Memorial Hospital and other historic structures in our community would be very appropriate.”

Each participating individual is invited to create their impression of the horses’ legacy, with approximately four months to create their personal interpretation. There are two categories of participation: Seabiscuit’s Legacy or other select, finished artworks artists may wish to contribute. Participation in the Seabiscuit Art Exhibit & Benefit Auction will include work from members of the Arts Council of Mendocino County. Community artists are especially encouraged to participate. There is no entry fee, but those who wish to be included, are invited to return their artworks to the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation Office by the submission deadline of May 7. Those participating have the option to retain a commission of the auction price or donate the full proceeds to the event. For more information or to request an artist’s contract, contact seabiscuit@instawave.net or call 707 459-5992.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation to honor our shared history,” says Ian Fitzpatrick of the Frank R. Howard Foundation. “We also look forward to collaborating with Mendocino County artists to put on an outstanding event where all parties benefit.”

Special thanks to Anna Kvinsland, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Mendocino County, and Gary Martin, Director of the Willits Chapter for their guidance and support with this project.

The Seabiscuit Heritage and the Howard Foundation will host the Art Exhibit, Dinner & Benefit Auction on Saturday, May 22 from 6:00pm – 9:30pm at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits. This event is by reservation only and will feature live music, dinner and refreshments. The general public can purchase tickets in advance for the Seabiscuit Art Show & Benefit Auction by contacting 707-459-5992 or seabiscuit@instawave.net for more information.

The nonprofit Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation works to protect and preserve the historic buildings and natural resources of the surviving 5,000 acres of the Howard ranch, which has been identified as one of America’s most endangered historic places. Today the home of the legendary racehorse inspires hope with its therapeutic horseback riding program for developmentally challenged children as well as adults. For further information, contact the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, 16200 Highway 101, Willits, CA 95490, Tel.: 707.459.5992 or visit www.seabiscuitheritage.org or e-mail seabiscuit@instawave.net.

The Seabiscuit Heritage and The Frank R. Howard Foundation Present:

Seabiscuit’s Legacy ART EXHIBITION & BENEFIT AUCTION

The Seabiscuit Legacy Art Exhibition and Auction, a benefit for Seabiscuit Heritage and Howard Foundation in celebration of fine art and the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit – scheduled on May 22, 2010 at the champion’s home, Ridgewood Ranch, Willits, California.

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