Roundup II Painted Horses Up For Auction

We’ve all see the beautiful painted horses that have been on display around town this summer. This weekend those works of art will be up for auction at the Barrington Area United Way’s gala and auction party.

Sixteen artists painted 27 horses for the fundraising event. All of those horses are uniquely decorated with the artist's vision in mind. You can view them for yourself at the Barrington Area United Way’s website and vote for your favorite.

This year a few Barrington High School students were involved in the project.

“It was so nice to see some young people involved this year,” said Susan Morris of the Barrington Area United Way. “Alex Brubacher did one of our smaller horses. He blends the city with the country, and I think artistically it might be one of the most exquisite pieces we have in the auction,” she said.

When asked what her favorite horse is, Morris couldn’t choose just one.

“It’s so hard to say. It was such a treat for Janet Mammon to all of a sudden show up in my mailbox. A local person who we were totally unaware of…she blends spirituality and nature in an incredible sense of design,” Morris said. “The Hospice horse was done by the children who are in their art therapy program. It’s a sweet, very touching colt.”

All 27 painted horses will go up for auction on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in the large barn on the property of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. Tickets to the gala and auction are $75 and are available online and at the door.  All of the money rasied will support the Community Unit School District 220 area.

“The last time we did this was in 2009. We did incredibly well with all the large horses. We made over $100,000 at that event which was beyond our wildest dreams. We don’t know what to expect this year. This Saturday is going to be a great surprise for us,” Morris said.

The barn at Good Shepherd will be turned into something spectacular for the event. Attendees will enjoy live music, dancing, beer and wine, and food provided by California Pizza Kitchen.

“The attire is casual western if people choose to dress that way…I think we can anticipate an evening of great fun and good cause.”

To purchase tickets online, head to the Barrington Area United Way.