Artists Can Submit Designs For Freehold's Half Mile Of Horses

FREEHOLD, NJ — Artists who would like to participate in the 2024 Half Mile of Horses Art Walk - the third-such public art installation - have until April 19 to submit designs, the borough says.

The artist design competition packet can be obtained by scanning the QR code available here or by clicking on this link: 2024 Artist Information Packet.

Submit your design for an opportunity to paint one of 18 sculptures for display in the downtown area.

The deadline for artist submissions is Friday, April 19.

Last year, there were 40 entries pared down to 18. The undecorated horse sculptures are created by StoneDog Studios in Freehold as the canvas for the artists' work. The sculptures have been displayed from July to October.

The borough has received renewal for year three of a five-year Neighborhood Preservation Program grant, so not only will the Half Mile of Horses Art Walk return, but the grant will support many other borough projects as well.

The grant is $125,000 and is renewable up to five years, said Dominica R. Napolitano, coordinator of the Neighborhood Preservation Program.

One of the most recognizable projects associated with the borough is the Half Mile of Horses Art Walk, now coming back for a third year. There will be 18 decorated horse sculptures, placed in easy to find spots in the heart of downtown. The first year (2022) exhibited 12 horses.

And the sculptures are a way to honor the equine heritage of Freehold Borough.

The borough is home to Freehold Raceway, one of the oldest half-mile tracks in the country. And western Monmouth County is known for its horse farms.

Thousands of people are once again expected to view and engage with the installation - and bring business to Freehold's downtown restaurants and shops.

For more information, contact the Neighborhood Preservation Program at freeholdboronpp@freeholdboro.org.