Menlo Charity Horse Show Committee Selects 'Artist of the Year'

By Joan S. Dentler 

In selecting a painting and artist that represented the spirit of horse show competition, the Menlo Charity Horse Show Committee named San Carlos resident Stacey Turcotte as its 2013 “Artist of the Year.”   

What began more than 43 years ago as a one-day show, the Menlo Charity Horse Show has become a major equestrian attraction, and draws accomplished hunter/jumper horses from the U.S., Canada and Mexico.   

Turcotte was selected as “Artist of the Year”  and will showcase her work at an upcoming show at the Menlo Circus Club from August 6-11, 2013.  According to show spokeswoman Carissa Ashman, Turcotte’s painting “We Can Do This” is “a touching piece that captures a moment of unspoken connection between horse and rider before competition. The painting resonated right away with the committee and it was a clear winner.”   

Although Turcotte has been painting the last 10 years, she is relatively undiscovered and decided to submit her oil on canvas, “We Can Do This” into the competition, Ashman said. 

Show co-chair and founder, Betsy Glikbarg of Atherton says, “We are honored that Stacey Turcotte will be adding her name to the list of extremely talented and well-known artists, such as LeRoy Neiman, who have participated in our event.”

Highlights of the show include a Sponsor Auction Gala on Friday, August 9th, where the painting, with an estimated value of $5,000 will be auctioned to the highest bidder.  All proceeds will benefit Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired which is dedicated to serving over 2,000 clients in the Bay Area through its programs promoting independent living and improving quality of life.   

Inspired by animals, Turcotte says she paints “in a loose approach with a solid foundation. My driving force is to bring the spirit of the subjects to life. Painting a horse and rider captures the delicate balance of precision and harmony.”  

For “We Can Do This,” Turcotte photographed over 100 horses and riders. One photograph stood among the rest as “the one” resulting in the winning piece.   

For more information on the artist, go towww.StaceyTurcotte.com.   

For more information on the Menlo Charity Horse Show, go towww.MenloHorseShow.com, 650-701-0543.