Prints will raise funds for wild horses and a cat shelter

DAYTON - Wild horses and cats will benefit from sales of 500 numbered and signed prints of a glazed watercolor painting that is the cover of country singer Lacy J. Dalton's CD, "Wild Horse Crossing."

The artwork will be unveiled from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Wild Horse Bar and Gold Canyon Fine Dining, 160 Main Street in Dayton. Dalton and artist Steven Saylor will be on hand.

Saylor painted the ghostly blue-and-white watercolor at his Evergreen Studio in Dayton for Dalton's CD. Later on, the Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association and Lacy J. Dalton and Friends commissioned the work as a limited edition print.

"The cover was such a big hit that it is being published as a limited edition print," Saylor said.

The price for a print is $100. Saylor will personally sign and draw a sketch on 25 remarqued artist proofs that are selling for $150. Saylor's original may also be bought, framed, for $5,500.

The funds raised will be split 50-50 between the Virginia Range's wild horse program and cat shelter and spaying program in Lyon County called the Judy Project, spearheaded by Saylor's wife, Johnye.

Specifically numbered prints may be reserved before the event by calling Evergreen Studio at 246-0659

The prints measure 14 inches square. The image was inspired by the memory of 34 Comstock wild horses slain near Reno early this year.

Reservations are not required to attend the event. Food will be served free of charge and there will be a no-host bar.