Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction

Art, Community, and a Shared Love for the Park

By Caroline Strickland for Carolina Horse Park | January 21, 2026

Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction brings art, community, and philanthropy together at the Carolina Horse Park. Local and regional artists have transformed life-size horse sculptures into one-of-a-kind works of art, each sponsored by generous community partners. As a 501(c)(3) charitable Nonprofit Corporation, proceeds from this beloved fundraiser directly support the Park’s mission of land conservation, equestrian sport, and community education. Join us as we celebrate creativity with purpose and invest in the future of the Carolina Horse Park. By Caroline Strickland for Carolina Horse Park | January 21, 2026

Auction Date: April 19, 2026 from 4-6 PM ET

The Ponies will be revealed on January 31, 2026 in downtown Souther Pines!

The Carolina Horse Park is proud to present the Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction, a celebration of creativity, community, and the spirit of the horse. This beloved fundraiser brings together local and regional artists, businesses, and supporters to transform life-size horse sculptures into one-of-a-kind works of art, each reflecting a unique vision, story, or theme.

Displayed as part of a public Art Walk in downtown Southern Pines, NC and culminating in a live auction, Painted Ponies invites the community to experience the Park in a colorful way while directly supporting its mission.

Supporting the Park’s Mission

The Carolina Horse Park is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, dedicated to conserving open space, supporting equestrian sport, and providing educational and community-focused opportunities in the Sandhills region. Proceeds from the Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction directly benefit the Park, helping fund facility improvements, land stewardship, educational programming, and the continued growth of events that bring riders, spectators, and visitors together.

Each pony sold represents more than a piece of art. It is an investment in the future of the Park and the community it serves.

A Collaboration of Artists and Sponsors

This year’s Painted Ponies showcase an incredible group of artists paired with generous sponsors who made each piece possible. Together, they bring imagination to life while championing the Park’s mission.

 

Painted Ponies: Artists & Sponsors

  1. Artist: Caleigh Conlin
    Sponsor: Carrollton Farm, Karen Conlin

  2. Artist: Carl Knutson
    Sponsor: Carl Knutson, Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills

  3. Artist: Christina Reynolds
    Sponsor: Southern Prime Steakhouse & Cabin Branch

  4. Artist: Natasha Corday
    Sponsor: Denali Equine, Dr. Kate & Mike Workman & Juli Sillman

  5. Artist: Nicole Sinay Torres
    Sponsor: Cork, Patrick McKee

  6. Artist: Vanessa Grebe
    Sponsor: Mike and Aimee Wilson

  7. Artist: Whitney Kurlan
    Sponsor: The Pilot, Kathy Desmond

  8. Artist: Cassidy Oeltjen
    Sponsor: Breezeway Sporthorse & Diagnostic Clinic

  9. Artist: Shelly Gerrtsma
    Sponsor: WhitLauter Estate Jewellery, Whitney and Leann Parker

  10. Artist: Lily Comer-Taylor
    Sponsor: Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique

  11. Artist: Judi Fleming
    Sponsor: The Amazing Grace Farm, Glenda Kirby

  12. Artist: Melissa Tatge
    Sponsor: Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Lifestyle Property Partners, Audrey Wiggins, Opulence & DUXIANA of Southern Pines

  13. Artist: Yvette Sparks
    Sponsor: Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen CVB

  14. Artist: Tom Trieloff
    Sponsor: Don Warren and Heidi Grimm Powell (Co-Chairs, CHP Board of Directors)

  15. Artist: Adam Garland
    Sponsor: Ashten’s, Hawkins & Hawkins, and CDP Stables

  16. Artist: Leah Thiel
    Sponsor: NC Sandhill Prescribed Burn Association, Jesse Wimberley

 

Join Us for the Art Walk

The Painted Ponies Art Walk is an invitation to slow down, explore, and connect; with art, with horses, and with the community that makes the Carolina Horse Park such a special place. Whether you are an art lover, an equestrian, or a longtime supporter of the Park, this event offers a meaningful way to engage and give back.

By participating in the auction or simply attending the Art Walk, you are helping ensure that the Carolina Horse Park remains a place where sport, land preservation, education, and community thrive together.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Park and sharing the creativity, generosity, and heart behind this year’s Painted Ponies

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