“Portraits of Hope” Generates Awareness and Funding for Southern California Equine Rescue Efforts
July 16, 2014, SAN DIEGO, CA—Forestbird Photography announced the launch of a new Kickstarter campaign and upcoming public art exhibit called “Portraits of Hope: A Photo Collection of Rescued Horses.” The collection of large-scale fine art photos captures the beauty and dignity of local horses that have been rescued from dire circumstances, retired from the race track, bought at kill auctions or given up by their owners. Every piece includes a story of each animal’s life.
“As an avid rider and horse lover, I feel that we are so fortunate to live in Southern California horse country. However, many local residents don’t realize that hundreds of horses are being cared for by equine rescues and sanctuary facilities around the region at any given time,” said Forestbird Photography owner and artist Kathleen Waldvogel. “Sometimes, the horses enter rescue due to abuse or abandonment; also, we see a number of retired racehorses in transition to their second career. By literally ‘turning a lens’ on these animals, I hope to educate people about the circumstances that lead to horses needing rescue. I’m sharing the photos and stories behind each rescued horse in a public exhibit because I believe that increased awareness can widen the tiny margin that, for them, means the difference between life and death. ‘Portraits of Hope’ also offers a way to support the efforts of local horse rescue organizations that care for, retrain, and place these animals in new, loving homes.”
“Although many rescued horses do come from less-than-ideal conditions, ‘Portraits of Hope’ gives a positive, life-affirming look at animals who are now happy, healthy–even downright funny at times,” said Bonnie Adams, director of TROTT USA Sport Horses, an equine rescue facility in San Juan Capistrano that specializes in retraining and rehoming off-track Thoroughbreds. ”Because of Kathleen’s passion for horses and the years that she’s spent riding and donating her time to the equine welfare community, she’s got these guys ‘in her pocket.’ It’s a blast to watch her with our animals and a joy to see the results of her amazing camera work.”
Pledge to The “Portraits of Hope” Kickstarter Campaign
Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that operates under an “all-or-nothing” model. If the campaign does not reach is full goal by 10:55 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, it will remain unfunded. Pledges can be made for as little as $1, placing the ability to improve the life of a rescue horse within reach of a wide variety of art lovers and animal rights enthusiasts alike. Campaign backers can select from multiple reward options. All options include an invitation to the art exhibit, and many also include donations of work directly back to non-profit horse rescue facilities. To back this project, visit www.kickstarter.com
Attend the Art Exhibit
The public art exhibit will be held September 26, 2014 at PreFAB, at The Headquarters in Seaport Village, in San Diego. A percentage of all proceeds from the exhibit will be donated to animal rescue efforts, as well.
About Forestbird Photography
Forestbird Photography is owned and operated by fine art photographer Kathleen Waldvogel. Originally from Michigan and based in San Diego, in the middle of horse country, Kathleen specialize in stunning portraits of companion animals, with or without their people. Her photography is available by private commissions or limited edition art prints and projects. To learn more, visit www.forestbirdphotos.com
Contact: Kathleen Waldvogel
Phone: 858-344-5643
Email: Kat@forestbirdphotos.com
