FACT SHEET
The Ponies del Pueblo project, coordinated by Tucson Pima Arts Council, is the largest philanthropic project of its kind in Southern Arizona. Over one hundred corporate, individual and public sector donors, nonprofit organizations and artists have teamed up to create 35, uniquely decorated life-size ponies that are on public display from January through October 2003. The project culminates in a gala auction November 2, 2003 to benefit the nonprofit organizations, artists, and the Tucson Pima Arts Council.
The Ponies
The model for the life-size, resin compound ponies was created by Arizona sculptor Dani Harman Zack. The mold was created by Daryl Polland and the thirty-five ponies were cast at Timber Creek Art Works. Ric Jones coordinated the fabrication and delivery..
The Sponsors
Thirty-five donors contributed $6,000 each to sponsor a pony. Each sponsor selected an artist from the juried artist roster and the nonprofit organization to be the beneficiary of the auction proceeds.
The Artists
A call to artists was circulated in the fall of 2002 and sixty artists were juried onto the roster by a panel of artists and arts professionals. Of the sixty artists, thirty-five were selected to create ponies. The artists will receive twelve percent of the auction proceeds.
The Nonprofits
Over two hundred nonprofit organizations were invited to participate in the project. Of these, thirty-five either elected to participate by finding a sponsor, or were selected by a sponsor as their beneficiary. The nonprofits will receive seventy percent of the auction proceeds.
Public Exhibition
The ponies have been exhibited in various locations throughout Tucson and Pima County since January 2003. Between July 15 and November 1, they will be corralled at Tucson’s two premiere malls: Tucson Mall in northwest Tucson, and Park Place in central Tucson. Over 100,000 people will see the ponies over the next three and a half months.
The Auction
The gala auction of the fabulous Tucson ponies will be held Sunday, November 2, 2003, between 2:30 and 6 pm at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa. Tickets to the VIP exclusive “Meet the Artist” reception and the live and silent auctions will go on sale August 15 for $125 each or two for $200. Tickets to the VIP reception and auction include a free Ponies del Pueblo catalog, lavish buffet, open bar, and special ringside auction seating.
General Admission to the live auction, starting at 4 pm, will cost $50. This includes auction viewing from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, buffet, and cash bar. Catalogs will be available for sale at the auction.