New Mazza Museum Exhibit ‘A Storm of Horses’ Opens October 9
A new exhibit, “A Storm of Horses: The Art of Ruth Sanderson,” will be unveiled at the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum on Thursday, October 9.
Author/illustrator Sanderson will present her equine-themed work at an opening ceremony from 6 to 7 p.m. Following her presentation, there will be book sales and autographing in the Mazza Gift Shop.
The public is invited to learn more about her subject matter – French artist Rosa Bonheur, a unique 19th century painter of horses – and enjoy a campus visit of real-life horses, courtesy of UF’s equestrian program.
Dan Chudzinski, director of the Mazza Museum, said the exhibition features Sanderson’s original art – from storyboards and preliminaries to her final, published oil paintings.
“Ruth created an inspiring picture book telling the story of Rosa Bonheur, who wanted to be a famous painter in the 1800s, at a time when female artists typically painted scenes from family life,” he noted. “But Rosa was committed to capturing the unbridled wild beauty of horses.”
Sanderson’s book explains how Bonheur’s masterpiece, The Horse Fair, which is eight feet tall and 16 feet wide, propelled her to become a celebrated artist with paintings in museums and galleries worldwide. It is now on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Sanderson has more than 90 published children’s books, including many fairy tales. She illustrated the first Black Stallion paperback covers and has illustrated many chapter book horse stories, including the Horse Diaries series.
A graduate of Paier School of Art in Connecticut, she has always loved horses, and her first oil painting at age 14 was a horse portrait, Chudzinski noted.
After visiting Mazza for the first time in 2022, Sanderson felt that her equine-themed illustrations should become part of the museum’s permanent collection, he explained.
“Ruth loves to share her artistic techniques to inspire other horse-loving young artists,” said Chudzinski, adding that Sanderson will be presenting to students from Arlington and Ridgedale schools earlier in the week.
She recently created a book Drawing Horses that is a guide to drawing realistic horses and suggested for aspiring artists ages 8 and older.
The “Storm of Horses” exhibition and event are part of UF’s Homecoming celebration that takes place from October 9 to 12.
The event is also a collaboration with and a prelude to the University equestrian studies program’s 50th anniversary that will be celebrated in 2026.
Post Views: 35
Latest Findlay Newsroom
- University of Findlay Announces New College of Business and HumanitiesFINDLAY, OH –University of Findlay announced plans today to combine its College of Business with its College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This bold step reflects the University’s mission of preparing students for meaningful lives and productive careers while […] The post University of Findlay Announces New College of Business and Humanities appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Revamped Buford Center Enhances Campus EngagementAhead of the fall semester, the University of Findlay’s Buford Center embraced exciting transformations, including a relocation and a dynamic merger with other departments. These changes mark a new chapter of growth, all while staying true to the center’s core […] The post Revamped Buford Center Enhances Campus Engagement appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Findlay Ranked Among Best National Universities for 20th YearFor the 20th consecutive year, University of Findlay (UF) is among the Best National Universities according to the U.S. News and World Reports 2026 edition of “Best Colleges.” UF ranked number 373 overall among national universities. “To be included in […] The post Findlay Ranked Among Best National Universities for 20th Year appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- University of Findlay Theatre Presents “Digging Up Dessa”The University of Findlay Theatre Program is proud to present “Digging Up Dessa,” a heartfelt and imaginative play that brings science, history, and an empowering message to the stage. Performances will take place at the Frank J. Egner Center for […] The post University of Findlay Theatre Presents “Digging Up Dessa” appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- University of Findlay to Host Annual Health & Wellness FairThe University of Findlay will host a health and wellness fair from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Koehler Fitness Complex. Members of the UF campus community can explore ways to live a healthier life and […] The post University of Findlay to Host Annual Health & Wellness Fair appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- University of Findlay Announces New 2+2 Engineering Pathway ProgramThe University of Findlay announces a new engineering pathway program for students in collaboration with Ohio Northern University and Wright State University. The new 2+2 engineering pathway program is designed for students to enroll at the University of Findlay for […] The post University of Findlay Announces New 2+2 Engineering Pathway Program appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
