Thoroughbred museum to host artist's showcase

The artwork of nationally renowned painter and Aiken resident Lynn Carlisle will be showcased at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum from Thursday through Nov. 22.

An opening reception for the artist will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., and is being sponsored by Horse and Farm Insurance, Betsy Minton LLC and Robyn Reilly and Cissie Sullivan of Meybohm Realtors. The public is invited to attend.

The artist, who delights in visible realities, has been able to capture the reflection of the living spirit through her artwork.

Carlisle began honing her skills at an early age, with her formal art instruction beginning when she was 9 years old at the Chicago Art Institute. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Miami University of Ohio. She also had the opportunity to study with artists James Crow and Sam Savitt.

The exhibit will showcase her work in oil and watercolors. Carlisle's work has been displayed nationwide in the Simpson Gallagher Gallery in Cody, Wyo., the Kentucky Horse Park Museum in Lexington, Ky., the Museum of Hounds and Hunting in Morven Park, Va., and the Aiken Center for the Arts.

Her pieces establish a unity of form and mood. Paintings of hounds playing in the water, a gambolling paint foal and Dinky, a miniature donkey who lives on Coker Springs Road, are featured in the display. Dogwood Stable's Classic winner Summer Squall is among those featured in the series of watercolors.

A portion of the sale proceeds will be donated to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

"The paintings are a light-hearted series of affordable artwork," said Carlisle. "They are meant to hang on walls. The pieces are happy, positive and upbeat."

The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Hopelands Gardens at 135 Dupree Place.

Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.