Apply now to be APHA's 2009 World Show artist

Can you paint or draw an equine that is one breath away from leaping off the canvas? Or does your unique use of color and technique capture the emotion that Paint Horse enthusiasts feel for their breed? Then you may be a perfect fit for the American Paint Horse Association's next official World Championship Paint Horse Show artist. The premier horse show is set for June 20-July 4, 2009, in Fort Worth, Texas. The winning artist's original work will be reproduced as a commemorative fine art print, on the cover of the World Show Program and on official World Show merchandise.

The APHA World Show is the largest Paint Horse show on earth, with more than 1,800 horses from across the globe expected to be exhibited. The show offers the winning artist two full weeks of excellent exposure to the global Paint Horse community and the North Texas-area public.

"All of us here at APHA are passionate about the American Paint Horse and understand that their equine personalities are equally as unique and complex as those of our human counterparts," said APHA Creative Director Art Vasquez. "We need an artist who can capture the poetry in motion when human and equine personalities are matched in a dynamic and rewarding partnership."

To enter artwork or a portfolio into the contest to become APHA's newest official World Show artist, provide the artist's name and contact information, including e-mail, the art media used and the dimensions of the final artwork. The deadline for all submissions is January 26, 2009. Questions and digital submissions smaller than 3MB may be e-mailed to Patricia Hellam at phellam@apha.com. Larger or non-digital submissions may be mailed to:

American Paint Horse Association
Attn: Patricia Hellam
P.O. Box 961023
Fort Worth, Texas 76161

APHA will notify the winning artist and other entrants on February 2, and all mailed submissions will be returned shortly thereafter. The final World Show artwork is due April 1.