The Exuberance of Horses on Exhibition in Large Scale Paintings by Katie Upton Opening June 2 at Agriculture Museum - Free Reception June 3

Horse Play: Paintings by Katie Upton, an exhibition depicting the exuberance, energy and beauty of horses, opens June 2 at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. The larger than life-size canvases depict the animals that have fascinated Santa Barbara artist Upton since her childhood. The exhibit continues through September 2.

Meet Upton at a free reception on Sunday, June 3, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for the opening of Horse Play and the Agriculture Museum’s accompanying exhibit Team Work: Horses and Mules on the Job. The reception features Texas swing and bluegrass music by the Ventucky String Band. Admission to the Agriculture Museum is free all day June 3 for the monthly Free First Sunday.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Upton was fascinated as a youngster by the horses that wandered through the family yard. In her efforts to capture them on paper, Upton relates that she was encouraged by her father, who taught her what he described as the language of drawing. Upton’s work reflects that foundation, informing her departure from conventional portrayals. It was while earning her MFA at University of California Santa Barbara that she again explored equine imagery; and ever since then the horse as subject and muse has remained her focus. Upton’s paintings and drawings are held in private collections throughout the United States, and in Europe and Asia.

The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, California, in their historic downtown, near the Depot and next to the railroad tracks. Hours are 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, free for Museum of Ventura County members, and for children ages 5 and younger. Free general admission on First Sundays of the month. For more information, go to www.venturamuseum.org or call (805) 525-3100.