Gallery ‘n’ Gifts, sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association, is presenting a special show of “Equine Art” in July, celebrating man’s — and woman’s — association with the horse from Paleolithic to modern times. The artists whose works will make up the show are Cynthia Andersen, Terry Milobar, Marilda Mel White and Pamela Wildermuth.

Cynthia Andersen of Rosamond has been involved in art for much of her life. Born in Minnesota, she has a degree in illustration from Art Center College of Design in California and a minor in science. Her fine art ceramic pieces range from beautiful vases and platters to handmade tiles and are decorated with an exquisite ancient horse theme that reflects the artist’s interest in the Paleolithic cave art of France. Each piece is done by hand and no two are alike.

Cynthia was named in Strathmore’s “Who’s Who of California Artists” for 2005; she has also been featured in Los Angeles Magazine and Designer West Magazine. Her artwork graces the lobby walls of the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas, and her works have been bought or commissioned by Sting, Magic Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Boris Becker.

Terry Milobar, a Bakersfield artist, was born in San Jose. A stay-at-home wife and mother during her children’s formative years, she, was involved on a somewhat limited basis with her art for many years. Now that her children are grown, Terry is taking time for herself and plans to complete her B.A. degree next year from California State University, Bakersfield.

“My art and life are inspired by my love for horses. For me, horses represent one of God’s most beautiful and spiritual creatures,” Milobar stated.

Considered a representational artist, Terry utilizes a variety of media including oil paint, watercolor, collage, and bronze to express her spirituality through images of horses. By creating a rich blend of color, design, anatomy and intuition, she offers a dynamic visual experience.

Marilda Mel White is a well known local arts promoter, photographer and writer, and will add an additional dimension to this show with her equine photography. Mel has called Tehachapi home the last six years but being the galavanting kind of gal she is, she has pictures from everywhere, including pictures of her own horses from way back when she was an Iowa farm girl.

Mel’s photography and writings always have been a record of her travels and philosophy of life, which is to concentrate on and enjoy the beauty and the blessings, whenever, wherever or however they come. When asked to be a part of this show honoring the horse she welcomed the opportunity with the same enthusiasm she demonstrates in all she does.

Pamela Wildermuth, currently making Bear Valley Springs her home, is a fourth-generation Californian, the great-granddaughter of Don Antonio Leiva, the renowned vaquero who worked horses and cattle on the vast Tejon Ranch for more than 30 years. She is a full member of the American Academy of Equine Art (AAEA) and a signature emeritus member and past president of Women Artists of the West (WAOW). Pam’s work, praised for its authenticity and attention to detail, has been selected for some of the world’s most celebrated exhibitions of equine art and can be found in collections throughout the world, including those of AAEA founder Else Tuckerman and jockey Kent Dersormeaux. Among her numerous awards are two Publisher’s Awards from The Equine Image magazine and the prestigious AAEA Founders Award for The Equine Image magazine and the very prestigious AAEA Founders Award for Oil.

Pam currently specializes in commissioned equine portraiture and is under contract with the San Fernando Valley Horse Show Association (SFVHSA) to produce portraits of their 10 High-Point winning horses each year.

She says: "I am not only inspired by the beauty, grace and nobility of the horse, but fascinated by the unique relationship between human and horse. Unlike our other close animal companions, dogs and cats, the horse is not a fellow predator, but a prey animal. This incredible working relationship defies convention and speaks volumes about the horse's intelligence and adaptability. No other herd animal is so admired by or so bonded with man."

The “Equine Art Show” will run through the month of July at Gallery ‘n’ Gifts, which is located at 100 W Tehachapi Boulevard (SW corner of Green and Tehachapi). A reception honoring these fine artists is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 8.

For more information or directions, call Gallery ‘n’ Gifts at 822-6062.