One of Louisville’s favorite and most visible public art projects, Gallopalooza, the series of brightly painted life-size horse statues all over the city, is getting a refresh in its newest version: The theme is Bridles and Bourbon, in order to bring in more iconic signs of Louisville life and history. It seems that Mayor Greg Fischer requested that bourbon be included in the plans this year, and his wish was granted.
The chosen designs will be part of only the third round of newly decorated and installed statues around Louisville for Gallopalooza. In addition to a new full-size horse statue design, the statues are getting a little crazier: Six-foot-tall mint julep cups and smaller horses standing atop bourbon barrels will be popping up in a few months.
The application process is open for sponsors of each statue, and for artists hoping their design might be chosen to grace one of the statues. The artist deadline is December 19, but it’s better to submit your design (you can submit two) earlier, as artists will be matched with sponsors throughout the fall. Winning designers will receive a $1,000 or $1,500 commission, depending on the statue, and a long list of other types of recognition and prizes. Priceless: Standing by your statue and telling everyone who passes, “I made this! I made this!”
Artists are encouraged to include their interpretations of “Bridles and Bourbon” in their designs, but all designs are welcome. Designs, Gallopalooza organizers say, “should reflect our community’s rich traditions, diverse culture and local passions.”
The decorated statues will grace streets around the Louisville area from April to October 2015. Then, each will be auctioned (artists get first dibs on purchasing their artwork), with the proceeds going toward Brightside and Waterfront Development Corporation beautification projects.
Photo: Courtesy Gallopalooza
