A horse is a horse, unless of course he is Johnnie-Gray- Nelson, aka “Painting Horse Johnnie” from Petaluma.
Johnnie will host his next public showing of his paintings on Sunday, March 12 from 2-5pm at Dairydell Canine, 2575 Old Adobe Road, Petaluma, CA. Rain or shine. Visitors can see his many works displayed and for sale, and meet Johnnie the artist. Demonstration at 2pm.
Johnnie, an 8 yr old Gypsy Vanner horse, is owned by Camilla Gray-Nelson and trained by Kathleen Sidjakov, Animal Stars Training in Rohnert Park. His unique talent for painting was discovered four years ago, while his trainer was teaching him tricks. “Johnnie was especially fond of holding things in his mouth,” says Kathy, “Camilla and I joked that I should try it with a paintbrush and make a painter out of him. Who knew it would really happen!”
Johnnie has developed his craft over the past 4 years and now paints with passion and style, all with paint brushes controlled from his mouth. So impressive is his body of work that when it was (anonymously) presented for consideration into a juried Sonoma County art show, Johnnie was accepted as a new, emerging artist! Sadly, when it was revealed that “Johnnie Gray-Nelson”, the artist without hands, was in fact a horse, his acceptance was rescinded.
“That’s when we decided nobody puts Johnnie in a corner, and we scheduled his own, private showings for the public.” says owner, Camilla Gray-Nelson. Camilla owns and operates the well-known dog training resort, Dairydell Canine, but is an avid horsewoman as well. “Johnnie’s art will be for sale at his show, with 50% going to charity. Buyers will be able to have their pictures taken with the equine artist and have not only a piece of unique art for their wall, but a story to tell for years.
Wear ranch safe shoes, no children under nine, and not pets please. For more information, Email: Camilla@paintinghorsej.com or Kathy@paintinghorsej.com
www.Paintinghorsej.com
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Dairydell Canine
2575 Old Adobe Road
- Petaluma