SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA — The Museum of the San Fernando Valley has launched “Horses Across the Valley,” a public art program with the mission to raise awareness of the historical, cultural and artistic heritage of the San Fernando Valley. Full-sized fiberglass horses enhanced with a specific artists’ designs will be placed in prominent locations throughout the Valley, connecting its communities on a grand scale. The interactive aspects of “Horses Across the Valley” will stimulate both tourism and business in the area. Under the directorship of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, “Horses Across the Valley” will connect communities by promoting local art and artists and creating a sense of pride in all the Valley has to offer.
The horse has been selected for this project because of its historical importance to the Valley. Part of the long, rich history with the horse goes back to a time when the Spaniards, under their leader Gaspar de Portolá, rode into the San Fernando Valley for the first time. Horse ranches sprang up almost overnight and when the film industry discovered that the Valley could double for the Wild West, the cameras started rolling.
Through this Valleywide celebration, the Museum seeks to engage the community in exploring Valley history, art and culture for the purpose of raising funds for the Museum of the San Fernando Valley and the Public Art Initiative, the San Fernando Valley Arts Alliance and organizations that help support leading horse-related charities and animal advocacy in the Valley. With the support of Valley businesses, philanthropists, civic leaders and the media, this exciting fundraising project is expected to bring the Valley together like no other event before. For more information, call (818) 347-9667.
