September 21, 2010 — Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is thrilled to announce that noted American folk artist Dagmar Cosby of Vienna, Virginia, has created the art poster for the 52nd annual Washington International Horse Show. “Dagmar has created a poster that encompasses all of the elements of the Washington International Horse Show; we are thrilled with her design and all it represents,” said Juliet Reid, President of WIHS.
The poster was unveiled at an evening cocktail party at J. McLaughlin in Georgetown and will be available at the souvenir booth during the show as well as at the show website, www.wihs.org. In addition, Cosby will have a boutique on the concourse selling pieces from her collection. WIHS takes place October 26-31 at Verizon Center.
For the Washington equestrian community, Cosby’s work may look familiar. This is the third poster she has designed for the Washington International, having created the art posters in 1988 and 1989. Cosby’s 2010 design was selected out of more than 40 entries in the inaugural WIHS poster contest.
With a diverse equestrian background, Cosby loves the horse world, having taken part in everything from dressage to fox hunting and riding clubs to a cowboy roundup! She learned to ride as an adult and has depicted her love of the horse world through her art.
The love of horses is “in the family” as one of Cosby’s grandchildren enjoys riding. Another love in her life was her companion for five years, the late author Dick Francis. The two met at an equestrian event. “He was a proven horseman and, as I learned, an extreme gentleman,” said Cosby, adding, “Not to say he wasn’t an imp and a prankster.”
Horses are only one of Cosby’s inspirations. Having grown up in a military family, Cosby, whose father and grandfather graduated from the Naval Academy, finds the WIHS connection to the military and the Caisson Platoon personally touching as it brings together two of her passions. The Caisson Platoon is featured in the WIHS poster. One of her memorable works, titled “The Old Guard,” depicts the Caisson Platoon at Ft. Myer, which she was moved to paint after attending a burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Cosby’s work is part of many local and national art collections. “I love bright colors. I know why each time I return to Hawaii to visit cousins.” The love of color and ease with which she can create new and whimsical designs on her computer has allowed Cosby to create art paintings as well as pillows, costume jewelry, Christmas ornaments, cards, prints, scarves, purses, etc. “I love experimenting and, with new technology, an artist has the ability to see their designs on a variety of material.”
