Year of the Horse: A Celebration of Art and Equine Spirit

February 2026

Year of the Horse is a special exhibition at Gallery 123 in the Dallas Design District featuring new works by artist Mel Auberty. Presented in conjunction with the Lunar New Year, the exhibition brings together a selection of paintings, bronze sculptures, and works on paper that explore the physical presence and symbolic meaning of the horse. Auberty’s work reflects a long-standing interest in the horse as both subject and metaphor—representing strength, movement, grace, and the enduring relationship between humans and animals.

The exhibition opened with a reception on Tuesday, February 17. Friends, family, collectors, and supporters gathered to mark the launch of the show and the start of the Lunar New Year season. Guests experienced the work in person and learned more about the exhibition’s charitable partnership with Blue Horse Sanctuary.

Auberty spent more than two years preparing for the exhibition. As part of the presentation, visitors were invited to view a short video installation featuring horses living at Blue Horse Sanctuary. The music for the film was produced by Auberty’s son, Alec Auberty.

Beyond its artistic focus, Year of the Horse was conceived with a philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the exhibition benefitted horse rescue efforts through Blue Horse Sanctuary. By acquiring works from the exhibition, collectors directly contributed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term care of horses in need.

Through this body of work, Auberty invites viewers to consider the horse not only as a visual subject but as a living presence deserving of attention, respect, and care. The exhibition brings together art and advocacy, reflecting a shared commitment among artist, gallery, and collectors to support equine welfare.

“My hope is that my work honors the power and grace of horses and encourages a deeper awareness of equine welfare,” Auberty said. “Bringing expressions of the natural world into an urban environment like Dallas feels fitting—and reminds us there is much we can learn from them.”