$65,000 Is Trotted Out for Art Center

Art patrons and horse lovers formed an alliance at the weekend Summer Classic equestrian event staged by the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation.

The horse show was held at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, with about 400 people attending a ringside luncheon Saturday and Sunday. The $75-per-person luncheons and four-day equestrian competition were expected to raise more than $65,000 for the Huntington Beach Art Center.

Spirit of Competition

The third annual Summer Classic attracted horse owners and trainers, including heiress Joan Irvine Smith, whose 16 horses trotted away with several prizes.

“We were looking for a unique fund-raiser, and a board member suggested an equestrian event that would be recognized by horse people all over the state and other countries,” said Robert Goodrich, foundation chairman.

The Olympics and growing popularity of horse shows have contributed to the Summer Classic’s success.

“With the Olympics going on, people are in the mood for a competitive sports event,” said Mary Harris, who joined Don Jankowiak and Diana Casey to chair the event.

Mary Tyng, owner of the Quail Run Los Angeles Equestrian Center, who has trained William Shatner, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver and other celebrities to ride, was on hand Sunday to help comment on the high-jump competition.

“It requires extra concentration to be able to perform with the audience and all this color,” Tyng said, pointing to the swarm of spectators.

Sights and Sounds

Saks Fifth Avenue.

After visiting a cappuccino bar, guests helped themselves to a gourmet buffet by Maxwell’s that featured carved beef tenderloin with corn and pepper relish, cold poached salmon with dill sauce, Caesar salad, asparagus in sherry vinaigrette and oven-roasted potatoes. A dessert cart served ice cream sundaes.

The Huntington Beach Art Center, scheduled to reopen after renovation is completed in fall 1993, is an 11,000-square-foot industrial-style building that will house contemporary art exhibits, said Naida Osline, center director.

Those attending Sunday’s luncheon included Lloyd and Bob Baron, Sondra Blau, Gerald Chapman, Dick Geosano, Ron Hagan, Mary Ellen Houseal, Mary Benino Jones, Michael Mudd, Dianne Rector, Barbara Schultz, Mary Shebell, Laikie Sperling, Eve Thompson, Michael Uberuaga, Orange County Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder and Huntington Beach City Councilwoman Grace Winchell.