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Entertainment

Wild horse haven

A photographic exhibit freezes in time the majesty and grace of the horses in a California refuge.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published February 17, 2006

CLEARWATER - Katey Barrett captures wild horses.

On film.

You can see the natural beauty of these animals in the Osceola Gallery at the Clearwater Main Library through Feb. 25.

About 20 photos, color as well as black and white, are on exhibit and for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Wild Horse Sanctuary, the California refuge where the photos were taken.

The pictures are likely to elicit thoughts of dignity and freedom, but also the intrusion of humans.

In one photo, a palomino, a bay and a brown horse face the camera. They seem to ask, "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

In another, the viewer is transported to a late summer afternoon, where a dark brown horse is drenched in golden haze.

The black and white images call to mind old movie westerns, where horses often were shown running free on an open range.

Nancy Coker of Bellaire happened on the photo exhibit during a trip to the library. She said she loved "the joy of seeing them (the horses) in motion."

"These are amazing," she added. After her daughter viewed the photos, "She asked me if there were any wild horses left."

That type of reaction is what Jan Nickols, community services manager for the library, expects from viewers.

"This exhibit is a living link to America's rich historical past," Nickols said.

All the pictures shown are framed, and prices range from $55 to $220.

Nickols said the library hosts one charity art event each year. She said that after reading about the wild horses, she contacted the sanctuary to see if executives there would like to do an exhibit featuring Barrett's work.

Barrett, a professional photographer who specializes in horses, has helped the sanctuary in the past through calendar sales. The sanctuary also raises funds through donations, adoption programs and trail rides. It also offers summer internships to college students.

Dianne Nelson, 59, one of the original co-founders of the Wild Horse Sanctuary and its current president, said this was a "blessed opportunity for people to be exposed to the sanctuary, its horses and the beauty of Katey's work."

In 1978, Nelson said, she and three other founders of the nonprofit refuge rescued 80 wild horses in danger of being destroyed as part of a government management program. The rescue project has continued to expand. Today, this haven includes 5,000 acres of mountain meadow and forestland in California, where more than 300 wild horses roam.

Photographer Barrett, 74, said the most difficult part was having to locate her horse subjects and to not startle them when she was taking pictures.

"You have to sit and be very quiet and just hope you have the right light," she said.

The Clearwater Main Library and art galleries, 100 N Osceola Ave., are open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, call 727 562-4970. For more information on the Wild Horse Sanctuary, write Wild Horse Sanctuary, P.O. Box 30, Shingletown, CA 96088, or visit www.wildhorsesanctuary.org

[Last modified February 17, 2006, 02:15:35]