CANTON, GA (April 17, 2024) – History Cherokee is thrilled to announce the launch of the Crescent Farm Cup, an art contest that has engaged fourteen local artists in a creative venture to paint wooden horses, which are now displayed across Cherokee County. These stunning artworks are up for public viewing and voting, from now through April 30.

In this inaugural event, each artist has transformed a plain wooden horse into a vibrant piece of art to reflect their personal style. Residents and visitors are encouraged to tour the county to view these artistic creations and vote for their favorite horse or artist. Voting is pay-to-vote where $1 equals one vote and is done online. Each horse has a QR code which will take viewers directly to the artist’s unique voting page where they can learn more about the artist and cast their vote. To view all the horses online, visit https://tinyurl.com/ywe3x8xr.

The Crescent Farm Cup is a new addition to History Cherokee’s Annual Kentucky Derby Day fundraiser, which will be held on May 4 at The Mill on Etowah, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All of the painted horses will be on display at the event and will be available for guests to take home through a silent auction where attendees can bid on their favorite pieces. Tickets for Kentucky Derby Day are still available at historycherokee.org/derby-day. All proceeds from voting, the auction, and the Kentucky Derby Day Fundraiser benefit History Cherokee and the operation of the Cherokee County History Center.

“Through the Crescent Farm Cup, we aim to celebrate our local history and art in a fun and unique way,” said Kathy Lyles, marketing and communications manager of History Cherokee. “The name Crescent Farm Cup is in honor of the farm which Canton’s beloved Rock Barn was originally a part of.

We invite everyone to vote on their favorite horse design or for their favorite artist. Your vote not only supports our mission but also spotlights the incredible artistic talent we have right here in Cherokee County.”

Voting is open to the public. Join us in this colorful celebration of history and creativity in Cherokee County!

For those wishing to see the horses in person, here is a list of where to find the horses.

• Pink Flamingo Tori Hilton on display at Canton City Hall.
• Paint Cheryl Ruffer on display at R.T. Jones Library.
• Ceru Lee Jordan on display at Thrive Canton (Jones Building).
• Bizarre Horse by Sabrina Kaylor on display at Bizarre Coffee
• Sea Horse by Nitasha Ginn on display at Fairways of Canton.
• Blue Dapple Dream by Kathy Duke on display at the Woodstock Visitors Center (Dean’s Store)
• Running for the Ribbons by the Cherokee High School Art Club on display at Thrive Canton (The Mill on Etowah).
• Fun in the Sun by JJ Arthur on display at the Ball Ground Public Library.
• Roses and Gold by Janet Clukie on display at Holly Springs City Hall.
• Cumberland Wild by Shanna Coulter on display at the Cherokee County History Center.
• Running Free by Lori Thompson on display at the Woodstock Public Library.
• Dragon Horse by Josh Williams on display at Canton City Hall.
• Total Eclipse of the Heart by Shanna Coulter on display at Ball Ground City Hall.
• Braves Horse by Amy Krumrey on display at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.
• Prayer Pony by Maggie Shaw on display at P.O.P.S. Canton.

For more information about the Crescent Farm Cup and the 21st Annual Kentucky Derby Day, please visit historycherokee.org/derby-day.

ABOUT HISTORY CHEROKEE

History Cherokee operates the Cherokee County History Center and the Historic Rock Barn. History Cherokee’s mission is the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Cherokee County history.