The kick­off event for the Art of the Horse project is on Sunday, March 20 from 2-­5 p.m. at Derbyshire in Columbus. This is a rain or shine event.

It is called an “Adoption Party” because, essentially, the sponsors have “adopted” the many talented artists. The sponsors’ generous donations allowed the life­-size fiberglass horses to be purchased and make their way from white shells to painted, one of a kind art pieces that will be displayed beginning in April.

We also saw this as an opportunity to partner with Foothills Humane Society, an organization in our community whose primary focus is adoptions of local area animals. Limited tickets are being sold through Saturday, March 19 at Foothills Humane Society and Stone Soup Restaurant. Tickets include food, wine and entertainment. All proceeds of the event will go directly to Foothills Humane Society.

Local musician Jay Lichty will be providing the entertainment. Jay has been playing fretted instruments since the mid­ 70s. A former five ­string banjo and mandolin player, he hung up the five string and picked up the ukulele in 2009 and hasn’t looked back. He plays both original and his version of familiar cover tunes.

Stone Soup Restaurant of Landrum will be providing the food including light spring appetizers such as smoked salmon with caper cream cheese toasts, local and organic deviled eggs, house ­made pimento cheese and crackers, leek and goat cheese mini tartlets and asparagus croutes.

Overmountain Vineyards of Tryon will be pouring glasses of their Chardonnay and Patriot Red as well as two of their hard apple ciders. Non­alcoholic beverages will also be provided for guests.

The gathering will be an opportunity for guests to meet the artists and sponsors of these horses that have made this project possible. For further information on the Art of the Horse project, click the Art of the Horse photo on ourcarolinafoothills.com, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourcarolinafoothills or continue to watch as our story unfolds through the support of Tryon Daily Bulletin.

-Submitted by Mindy Weiner