ART NEWS
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PRESS RELEASE |
Phyllis Frazier named the cover artist for the 2008 HITS Saugerties Official Show Program
SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (May 23, 2008)—HITS is pleased to announce Phyllis Frazier as its cover artist for the 2008 HITS Saugerties Official Show Program.
Frazier selected the water color painting "Airborne" for the cover of the 2008 HITS Saugerties Official Show Program. The painting features a horse and rider, in profile, jumping a fence in a horse show competition. The attention is on the horse and rider, with the fence represented sparsely and in soft-focus as if it was a mere afterthought.
"I generally work in oil," said Frazier. "I had been wanting to experiment with watercolor, so this image seemed like an appropriate choice for that medium."
"When working on a horse painting, my mind romances the ages of cavalry and kings," added Frazier.
Frazier's paintings reflect her lifelong interest in both art, nature, and the animal world. In addition to receiving a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art from New York University, she has studied with noted wildlife photographers, natural history filmmakers, wildlife conservationists, artists and animal trackers.
Recently, Frazier participated in the 2008 Equine Art Show during the 2008 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. The New York City based artist is also planning to participate in the 2008 Equine Art Show during the 2008 HITS Saugerties summer series of horse shows.
"I enjoy being around people who have great love and respect for their animals," said Frazier. "I am looking forward to listening to the many stories that people will share about their horses."
For more information on Frazier, please visit www.pfrazier.com
Phyllis Frazier has been named the cover artist for the 2008 HITS Saugerties Official Show Program. Pictured above is one of her original paintings Portrait of "Bear" in Silhouette.
Phyllis Frazier's Portrait of a Horse. To view more of Frazier's lovely artwork please visit www.pfrazier.com
Get your program
The 2008 HITS Saugerties Official Show Program is available all spring and summer during the spring and summer series of horse shows at HITS Saugerties. The program features several compelling reads, including a Menu Must article that highlights all the great places to eat in the area.
The 2008 program also features a photo hunt. If exhibitors can spot themselves on this special page in the program they will win a fantastic prize. Some of the prizes include dinner for two at New York City's Tavern on the Green, passes to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and golf passes to the Lazy Swan Golf Course in Saugerties, New York.
Olympian McLain Ward will be highlighted in a special autograph contest throughout the 2008 HITS Saugerties series of horse shows.
Randomly selected programs will feature the signature of Ward giving exhibitors who hold onto their program a chance to win daily prizes such as free ice cream, pizza and valuable gift certificates to local restaurants.
Exhibitors should listen up for daily announcements at the horse show to win!
Show jumping for the HITS Saugerties Spring Series of horse shows begins Wednesday, May 28 and runs through Sunday, June 15 from 8 am to approximately 5 pm during a horse show week. On Thursdays some of the top competitors in the country will look to earn the lion's share of prize money during the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix and on Sunday afternoons the stakes are higher as riders and horses vie for $50,000 in prize money.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.
HITS' Second Annual Equine Art Gala to return to New World Home Cooking Co. on Thursday, July 24
SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (June 24, 2008)—When the HITS horse shows return to Saugerties, New York in late July for HITS-on-the-Hudson IV, exhibitors will be treated to an eclectic display of horse art at the second annual Equine Art Gala and Exhibitor Mixer at New World Home Cooking Co. on Thursday, July 24, 2008, from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Many regional artists will be featured at the by-invitation-only event. Artists already scheduled to have their artwork on display include Mary Bridgman, Jean Campbell, Maria D'Angelo, Phyllis Frazier, Jean Haines, Juliet Harrison, Lenny Marks, Deborah O'Sullivan, JoAnne Sullam, Kristen Vetterl, and Barbara Widmann.
"Being able to participate once again in bringing my work to the HITS audience is wonderful," said Harrison. "The show grounds is one of the main places that I get many of the images that I use to create my art. Showing the work there and especially at the Equine Art Gala seems to be just the right fit."
"Last years Equine Art Gala drew rave reviews from everyone that attended," said HITS' Art Director Leslie Phillips, who is organizing the event again this year. "It really gives each artist that participates a unique opportunity to showcase their artwork at a fabulous venue."
The night of fine equestrian art will be complimented by a broad selection of renowned chef Ric Orlando's global food offerings at New World Home Cooking Co. The restaurant is hosting the Equine Art Gala and Exhibitor Mixer for the second consecutive year.
"I am thrilled to open the doors at New World Home Cooking Co. for the Equine Art Gala again," said Orlando. "It was a marvelous event last year and I am looking forward to hosting it again in the future."
Artist Kristen Vetterl added "I was so excited to have been a participating artist in last years Equine Art Gala, the people I met, the food we ate, and the paintings on display all molded together into a wonderful and exciting evening that I will never forget. This year I look forward to being a part of this event that brings members of the horse world who share an equal passion for the sport and the art of it."
Other activities during HITS-on-the-Hudson IV include a special HITS Saugerties Martini Night, presented by Zephyr Gin on Friday, July 25 and on Saturday, July 26 HITS Saugerties will host its first-ever car show, when the HITS-on-the-Hudson Classic Car Showcase comes rolling into town.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit http://www.HitsShows.com
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HITS E-NEWS
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Summertime in Saugerties! Exhibitors enjoy three fun-filled weeks in the Hudson Valley
Saugerties, NY (August 16, 2008)—The HITS Saugerties Summer Series was "home of the hunters" as the popular circuit featured the the USEF East Coast Junior Hunter National Championships for the fourth consecutive year. HITS also sweetened the pot this year adding the all-new $5,000 Pony Commotion Hunter Classic to the mix, as well as the North East debut of the $10,000 ASG Software Solutions USHJA International Hunter Derby, all in one fabulous week to close out the three-week summer circuit.
Jennifer Waxman rode her mount Red Panda to the Grand Championship at the 2008 East Coast USEF Junior Hunter Championship, while the reserve honors went to North Country, who had Johanna Hyyppa in the irons.
University of Indiana-bound Annie Wang rode her mount Olivander to a special victory in the $5,000 Pony Commotion under the watchful eye of trainer Donna Pace. Hours later, one of trainer Val Reinihan's prize students, Julia Weiss, shocked the hunter world winning the $10,000 ASG Software Solutions USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard Schubert, who is owned by Redfield Farms.
“I really enjoy having the Junior Hunter Finals in Saugerties,” said Reinihan. "It was a great event for some of my kids and we were delighted to be a part of it.”
© Lili Weik Photography
Jennifer Waxman and Red Panda were presented the 2008 East Coast USEF National Junior Hunter Grand Champion award. Waxman was joined in the winner's circle by Christina Schlusemeyer, USEF's Lauren Fahey and her trainer Emily Smith.
Olympic flavor
The most decorated Grand Prix rider in America, Margie Engle, continued her dominance inside the Grand Prix ring at HITS Saugerties winning half of the featured classes during the summer circuit and finished with a total of eight horses in the money during her stay in the Hudson Valley.
Her two young mares, Hidden Creek's Coroya Z and Hidden Creek's Pamina L seem to be maturing quite nicely for the former Olympian as she now has over 180 career Grand Prix wins. Engle was not the only Grand Prix rider with Olympic ties to excel at HITS Saugerties. Former Olympian Todd Minikus rode Presidente to the blue in the $50,000 In the Woods Log Homes Grand Prix and Laura Chapot, daughter of former Gold medalists Frank and Mary Chapot, outlasted the field in the $50,000 Strongid® C 2XTM Grand Prix, presented by Brook Ledge aboard her mount Church Road.
Former Olympian Norman Dello Joio also made a stop at HITS Saugerties this year before heading to Hong Kong to coach some friends in search of Olympic medals. "The jumps in the Grand Prix ring are interesting," he said. "It gives much more variety to the horses. The new footing was very usable and the new decorations are also appreciated." Dello Joio's student Cortie Wetherill and mount Equinox captured the final $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix of the summer.
In all, HITS-on-the-Hudson was host to four Olympic-bound equestrians. Earlier this spring, Olympic Course Designer Flora Baptiston made a stop at HITS Saugerties to decorate courses, while McLain Ward, who was named a member of the U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team along with Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden and Will Simpson, was in Saugerties with some of his younger horses before he left for the European Qualifiers. Olympic Course Designer and 2008 FEI Technical Delegate Olaf Petersen was the course designer for the first week of the HITS Summer Series.
"Since HITS Saugerties started, it has been one of my favorite shows, especially since I can work with the fences that we designed in Germany specifically for HITS," said Petersen. "Additionally, this year, the flower decorations are more beautiful then ever before, and the Grand Prix ring looks – despite the rain we had – very colorful and attractive. I enjoy the show, and I enjoy meeting my good friends in Saugerties every year." When asked for a his thoughts about the Olympics, Petersen predicted a great jump-off between Germany and the United States.
© 2008 Lili Weik Photography
Margie Engle and her mount Hidden Creek's Coroya Z are on course during the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Smith Barney.
© 2008 Lili Weik Photography
Laura Chapot and Church Road on course during the $50,000 STRONGID® C 2X™ Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties.
Fun in Saugerties!
The social calendar during the HITS Saugerties Summer Circuit was filled with great activities outside of the show ring. During week IV, classic cars rolled into HITS Saugerties for its inaugural HITS-on-the-Hudson Classic Car Showcase and delighted the exhibitors, including Monty Kelly of Stepping Stone Farms.
"Our customers loved it," said Kelly. "It gave them one more thing to do on the show grounds. I thought it was a unique idea and all the cars that lined the berm of the Grand Prix ring made it look extra classy."
HITS-on-the-Hudson IV was packed with excitement as the second-annual HITS Saugerties Equine Art Gala and Exhibitor Mixer also took the stage. Ric Orlando's New World Home Cooking Co. was the perfect site for the wonderful evening of fine art and fine food and featured the work of artists Gretchen Almy, Mary Bridgman, Jean Campbell, Maria D'Angelo, Phyllis Frazier, Jean Haines, Juliet Harrison, Lenny Marks , Deborah O'Sullivan, Karin Ruoff, JoAnne Sullam, Kristen Vetterl and Barbara Widmann.
HITS-on-the-Hudson also featured the second-annual Equestrian Idol competition. More than a dozen acts performed before judges Emil Spadone, Don Stewart and Susie Schoellkopf. When all the votes were tallied, the three veteran trainers crowned Jennifer White the 2008 HITS Equestrian Idol. White, who rides in the adult jumpers with trainer Cynthia Williams of New England Farm performed, "I Will Survive" to win the title and a $50 gift certificate donated by Kocher Tack.
Ronnie Anderson, now the assistant trainer at Don Stewart Stables, has traveled the world and was also enjoying her summer in Saugerties. "I really love it here. The town is charming and the restaurants are great. Saugerties also has some fun places to go shopping at night," said Anderson.
"When it comes to the show, it seems like HITS has made every effort to make this venue special and fun. We have a lot of kids here and, thanks to the variety of the schedule, they are all able to keep pretty busy in the ring during the day. Plus, the restaurant on-site is the best at a horse show that I have seen in the United States. There is a Starbucks on the show grounds and the menu in the restaurant is filled with quality and variety. At the end of the day, it’s nice to go into the bar on the grounds and socialize."
© Danette Kadlic for HITS, Inc.
Classic Cars lined the berm at HITS-on-the-Hudson during the HITS-on-the-Hudson Classic Car Showcase
One more chance!
Exhibitors have one more chance to experience some fine show jumping at HITS Saugerties. After a short break, HITS will return for HITS-on-the-Hudson VII on Wednesday, September 3 with a full week of classes highlighted by the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix on Thursday and the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday. HITS-on-the-Hudson VII will also feature a special end-of-season exhibitor party on Saturday, September 6.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.
Study of Tiger in Long Grass
Print image size: 16 x 24"
©Phyllis Frazier
Special Honors for Study of Tiger in Long Grass
- Selected for inclusion in “Art of the Animal Kingdom VII,” Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, Vermont. June 15 - July 28, 2002.
- Included in the nationally touring exhibition of "Art of the Animal Kingdom VII," August 2002- March 2003.
- First Place, Wildlife Art, Wings 'n Water Festival, New Jersey, 2001.
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Into the Light — Piping Plovers
Poster size: 16 x 20"
©2003
The Wetlands Institute of Stone Harbor, New Jersey, honored Phyllis Frazier with the commission to create the art for their 21st annual Wings 'n Water Festival 2003 poster. All proceeds from sales of the poster are used by the Institute for programs promoting the conservation of wetlands and dune environments. Ms. Frazier also exhibited at the event, which took place September 13-14, 2003.
Wings 'n Water Festival posters sold by The Wetlands Institute are open editions. Because they are used to raise funds for the Institute's conservation and environmental education needs, these posters remain available for purchase beyond the year of their initial creation.
The poster features a pair of piping plovers — an endangered shorebird which nests in the summer months on sandy beaches and dune areas along the Atlantic Coast.
Posters are available through The Wetlands Institute at www.wetlandsinstitute.org/visit/posters/index.html
To learn more about the piping plover and the efforts to protect it, please visit the following website:
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© Phyllis Frazier. All rights reserved.