Andalusian horses originated in the Spanish Iberian Peninsula Province of Andalusia, and they are an ancient, noble breed. Those knowledgable about these magnificent creatures note they have lived in that region since “pre-history,” and were depicted in cave paintings as far back as 25,000 years ago. Carthusian Monks bred Andalusians in Middle Age monasteries, and the horses became prized by royalty down through the ages. I’ve read that there are only about 8,000 Andalusians in this country; less than 30,000 world wide.
Jackson photographer David Brookover, having missed photographing horses, decided to go find some Andalusians and recommence photographing one of his favorite animals. A connection in Aiken, South Carolina, hooked him up.
“They’re royal, rare and just beautiful,” says Brookover. “Once the idea entered my mind to photograph these incredible creatures there was no letting it go. I wanted to shoot them, and make silver gelatin prints of these animals. I took “Kilate” right at the last light; I knew that with the contrast any trees would go dark. The contrast is spectacular.”
Kilate, near 19 years old, has the light coat of a mature Andalusian. Younger horses’ manes flow like rivers behind them as the animals gallop. With each year, Andalusian manes get a bit shorter, Brookover notes. Once again, Brookover captures an animal’s particular grace and essence; all visual distraction around these horses falls away. Brookover’s latest photographs can be viewed on his website, www.brookovergallery.com. And those Andalusians? They can be viewed here.
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I canvas my anonymous circle of ringers when wondering about huge issues like the financial welfare of Jackson’s Center for the Arts.
This week it was announced that the Center’s E.D., Cindee George, resigned. If my count is right, she’s the third E.D. to resign in as many years. Some months ago the head of the Center’s Board also stepped off, after barely a year of service. The place is a revolving door, and it’s hard to imagine who will step up next, who could possibly fill the leadership black hole. It seems that being a “hometown boy (or girl)” is no longer enough impetus to potential donors.
A friend, very much of the for-profit world, made these points: “The owner of the building
will want either an economic return, a tax write-off, or some kind of control over what takes place inside…if the operation is not profitable.”
There’s a dual issue. The first is, is the building’s occupant a viable, stable organization with strong local support and a strong leader? The second is, does the building generate enough revenue to carry its debt? The building’s business is to house other non-profits, which are paying high rents. Maybe that model should change. Some smaller organizations have left the building or consolidated space to save money.
There are staffers who feel the Center is finding its direction, and issues will be rectified. That’s nice to hear. A day after the news of George’s departure, Center personalities expressed remorse but appeared upbeat and busy.
It will be difficult for all the fine arts non-profits housed in the Center to keep up their missions under constant, intense financial stress. How hard this must be. Yet, happy occasions occur and much credit goes to our local artists. Witness last Friday’s opening reception for the Art Association’s new glass exhibition. Some fabulous work is on display, go see it! www.artassociation.org
I was thrilled to see Vertical Gardens get a Town Council thumbs up. Not so thrilled to see the Snow King bike trail plan get a thumbs up. More bike trails and a zip line? All those condos they built, the ones that didn’t turn Snow King into downtown Jackson’s version of Teton Village….not building those would have been a good idea. I realize downhill biking is popular at Targhee and the Village, but can bike trails offset that real estate debacle? Snow King’s original lodge should have been renovated, modernized and turned into a great conference venue. It’s starting to look like a weird amusement park over there.
Maybe a bumper car concession is next!
Tammy Christel 
