Year of the Fire Horse
Cynthia Jacobi, Marcy Kenyon, Marilyn Burkhardt, Marion Moir, Charlotte Van Zant-King
September 4 – November 1, 2026
Newport Visual Arts Center
Upstairs Gallery
In Year of the Fire Horse, five local women artists, using a variety of mediums, lean into the mystic strength and adventurous spirits of horses. Exhibit features wooden sculpture, watercolor, collage, lino block print, acrylic, wax, and ceramics.
Opening Reception:
Friday September 4th5-7pm
Featuring music, light refreshments, and artist talks.
In celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse, Cynthia Jacobi curated this group of women artists, all of whom have a history of depicting horses. They grew up in an era of the Black Stallion series, where horses symbolized strength and adventure.
Every 60 years, the Chinese zodiac and lunar calendar, collide to create the Year of the Fire Horse. Each animal in the Chinese zodiac is given natural personality traits. Those of the Horse, such as strength, alertness, energy is amplified to include leadership, eloquence, intelligence and extreme success. But these clash with the opposites of impatience, violence, impulsiveness, and reckless behavior.
Eastern Asian astrological superstitions, especially in Japan, have created the“Curse of the Fire Horse.” Girls born during the Hinoe-uma are believed to be bad tempered, destined to ruin their families and may cause early death of their husband. So strong has been this superstition that in 1966 the total birth rate in Japan plummeted to avoid the births of girls. This has caused economic and social upheaval in class sizes, workers, and consumers in that year’s age group.
We are cautioned to be aware and to harness the Fire Horse. Embrace the challenge and find a balance.
To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, we kindly encourage guests to consider attending fragrance-free in support of those with allergies and sensitivities.
rts Center (COVAS Showcase)