MISSOULA – With names like Sundown and Prancer, Moonglow and Blacky, it might be hard to pick a favorite. But fans of the Missoula Carousel and artist Larry Pirnie are getting a chance to own an original piece of art.
It’s a fundraiser for A Carousel for Missoula called Pirnie’s Ponies. Local artist Larry Pirnie created 50 different unique and colorful paintings featuring a galloping horse then donated 15 of them to the carousel.
Supporters can submit their name for a drawing that gives them chance to buy the horse painting of their choice for $1200 at a carousel fundraiser this Sunday.
The money raised keeps the carousel and the adjoining Dragon Hollow Play area well maintained for the crows that flock to this popular Missoula destination.
The paintings Pirnie created are unique in that he re-imagines one horse in dozens of different ways.
“Larry really likes color. He talks about the child in him who lies to work with color so he’s taken the same image and done it 50 different ways with 50 different colors and backgrounds and horses and make them looks completely different and 15 of those came to use," said A Carousel for Missoula Executive Director Theresa Cox.
"Our plan is to use the money just for the carousel operations to keep the carousel running and to make sure that Dragon Hollow stays safe and clean. It’s important to use that we continue to serve the community to the level they expect from us and they expect us to be safe and clean and expect us to be open every day and we’re proud to do those things," Cox added.
The fundraiser will take place on Sunday, May 6 th from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at their Caras Park location. They’ll be serving family-friendly food and beverages from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Once the Carousel closes for regular business, there will be a no-host bar available along with other refreshments. The drawing of names begins around 6:15.
If you cannot be there but still want a chance to purchase one of the 15 paintings, contact the Carousel at (406) 549-8382 for more information.
